Lassa Fever Alert: Kwara EPA Threatens Sanctions for Food Vendors, Garri Processors Over Poor Hygiene
The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has issued a stern warning to food processors, garri production centres and street food vendors across the state to adhere strictly to hygiene and waste management regulations or risk sanctions.
The directive, aimed at curbing the spread of Lassa fever, was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode.
The agency expressed concern over environmental practices that could increase the risk of transmission of the viral disease.
General Manager of KWEPA, Jide Aina, emphasised that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or consumption of food contaminated by rodent urine or droppings.
“Food handlers occupy a critical position in safeguarding public health, particularly in preventing contamination during food processing, storage and sales,” the statement read.
Aina directed garri processing factories and other food production facilities to store raw materials and finished products in rodent-proof containers at all times.
He also stressed the importance of regular cleaning of processing equipment, proper facility maintenance and effective waste disposal to prevent rodent infestation.
The agency cautioned street food vendors against displaying food on bare ground, roadsides or other exposed surfaces.
Vendors were urged to always keep food covered, maintain high standards of personal hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and dispose of refuse responsibly rather than dumping waste in drainage channels or public spaces.
“Key preventive measures include maintaining clean surroundings around business premises, using safe water for food preparation and ensuring proper handling and disposal of food packaging materials,” Aina stated.
KWEPA announced plans to step up routine inspections and enforcement activities across the state, warning that violators would face penalties in accordance with environmental health laws.
“Ensuring proper hygiene and waste management is not optional; it is essential to protecting lives. Together, we can drastically reduce the risk of Lassa fever and promote a healthier Kwara State,” Aina added.
He called for collective responsibility among food business operators and residents, stressing that preventing Lassa fever requires proactive collaboration from all stakeholders.
Government Debunks NYSC Lassa Fever Rumours
The warning comes amid recent social media claims alleging that corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Kwara had died from Lassa fever.
However, the Kwara State Government dismissed the reports, stating that no outbreak or confirmed cases had been recorded at the camp.
According to a statement issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Health’s Press Secretary, Saad Hamdalat, the state’s Rapid Response Team, led by the State Epidemiologist, investigated the claims after rumours surfaced on February 8 and found no evidence of infection among corps members or camp officials.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Olaoluwa Onifade, also clarified that the corps member referenced in online posts had a pre-existing chronic condition and died at a health facility outside the camp, with no laboratory confirmation linking the death to Lassa fever.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring public health concerns while urging residents to disregard unverified reports. Read More
