Lassa Fever Scare: Kwara Cracks Down On Garri Processors, Street Food Vendors Over Hygiene Lapses

 

The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has issued a stern warning to garri processors and street food vendors across the state to strictly comply with hygiene and waste management regulations or face sanctions, as part of intensified efforts to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, authorities expressed concern over environmental and food-handling practices capable of increasing the risk of viral transmission.

According to the agency, food handlers play a frontline role in protecting public health and must uphold proper standards during food processing, storage and sales.

The warning follows widespread social media reports — since debunked — alleging that some corps members at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, orientation camp in Kwara died of Lassa fever.

However, the Kwara State Government dismissed the claim, stating that investigations found no trace of infection or outbreak at the camp.

The Ministry of Health, through its Press Secretary, Saad Hamdalat, disclosed that the state’s Rapid Response Team, led by the State Epidemiologist, launched a probe after the rumours surfaced on February 8, but confirmed there was no evidence of Lassa fever among corps members or camp officials.

Also clarifying the incident, the NYSC State Coordinator, Olaoluwa Onifade, said the corps member referenced in the viral posts had a pre-existing chronic illness and died outside the camp at a medical facility, with no laboratory confirmation linking the death to Lassa fever.

Meanwhile, KWEPA General Manager, Jide Aina, directed operators of garri processing centres and other food production facilities to store both raw materials and finished products in rodent-proof containers at all times.

He stressed that routine cleaning of equipment, proper facility maintenance and effective waste disposal are critical in preventing rodent infestation — a major channel for Lassa fever transmission.

The agency further cautioned street food vendors against unsafe practices, including displaying food on bare ground, roadsides and other exposed surfaces.

Aina urged vendors to keep food covered, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and dispose of refuse properly instead of dumping waste in drains and public areas.

He added that the agency would scale up inspections and enforcement operations statewide, warning that violators would be penalised in line with environmental health laws.

“Compliance with hygiene and waste control measures is mandatory, not optional. It is vital to safeguarding lives and strengthening public health safety across Kwara State,” he said.

Residents and food business operators were also called upon to support government efforts by maintaining clean environments and adopting preventive practices against Lassa fever.