Bukola Adebayo
Scientists at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, are set to map the movement of the Multimammate rat, the vector that causes Lassa fever, in states where the infection has occurred.
Over six states, including Lagos, Yobe, Plateau,Edo and Ogun, were affected in the ongoing outbreak of the disease.
The NIMR DG, Prof. Babatunde Salako, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, stated that mapping of the rats was one of the effective ways to prevent an outbreak of the disease.
He said it was impossible for one to tackle a disease whose nature and epidemiology was unknown.
Salako stated, “Disease outbreaks will always occur but there is the knowledge that one can gain when they occur to help to reduce its occurrence.
“That is why we are mapping out the states that have recorded Lassa fever outbreaks and understudy those that have never had an outbreak. This is important so that we can identify why and replicate what we find to help those that record outbreaks yearly.
“After this, we will study the vectors involved in affected states; in this case, the rats. It is after all of these that we can come out with an evidence-based policy on the prevention of Lassa fever.”
Salako also said it was high time Nigeria led a vaccine and treatment research as the country had the highest number of people dying of the disease globally.
“We need to invest in the development of a vaccine because there is none yet and, because it does not really affect high-income countries, their governments may not dedicate resources to such ventures.”
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