Kemi Olatunde

The need for strict adherence to basic hygiene practices to prevent infectious diseases in Ondo State has been stressed.

State Epidemiology ,Ayokunle Orimolade spoke while delivering an awareness lecture facilitated by the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) in Akure.

He stressed the importance of early report of noticeable symptoms of high fever to the nearest government hospital, noting that diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, especially lassa fever cases is absolutely free in government hospitals in the State.

Orimolade also called on the people to keep away food items from rodents, multi- breasted rats and cockroaches, which he identified as carriers of infectious diseases among which is lassa fever.

While giving insight to how lassa fever crept into Ondo State through the neighbouring Edo State, Dr Orimolade however commended the quick intervention and proactiveness of the state stakeholders which safeguarded its spread, saying line-tracing and unrelenting medical attention had been very helpful for the curtailment of the disease.

Earlier ln his opening remark, the Director General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commision, Dr.Abiodun Oyeneyin commended the State Government under the leadership of Hon.. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for paying priority attention to health related programmes in the state.

Oyeneyin, who rated Ondo State high among its peers in term of Health Development Programmes, assured that the State Government will not relent in promoting health care needs of the people of the state.