Following the outbreak of the dreaded swine flu disease in Lagos, the Lagos State Government said it has mounted surveillance in all its 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in order to checkmate the disease.

A 9-year old American female student was diagnosed of the disease in Lagos after being brought down by fever, sore throat, congestion and nausea. Tests carried out on here contacts were, however, negative.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said yesterday that the state was not letting the issue of the outbreak lie low, saying that it had swung into action to ensure that the disease did not spread to others in the state and called on Lagosians not to panic.

According to Idris, government had got the Tami Flu, an anti-viral drug meant to reduce the severity of the disease, but stated that government had not got hold of the vaccine for the ailment that has killed several people worldwide.

He disclosed that continuous and intensive awareness, using existing structures in the LGs and on-air as well as border awareness campaign were ongoing to educate the people on the disease.

“We are creating awareness using strategically placed electronic billboard. We have intensified surveillance activities in all the LGs in the state,” Idris added.

The commissioner said the state government had embarked on enlightenment campaign through airing of jingles, distribution of posters, handbills and leaflets.

He noted that fact sheets on H1N1 had been distributed to all the public and private heath facilities while sensitization/training of disease surveillance officers had already been carried out.

“There is continuing medical education on H1N1 and epidemic-prone disease. There is training of health workers in both public and private facilities while awareness campaigns is still ongoing at the borders and meeting with port health officials have been carried out,” Idris said.

On preventive measures, the commissioner advised Lagosians to wash their hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly; cover their nose and mouth with handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing and ensure proper ventilation in all living, resting and work rooms, while they should report any suspected case to the nearest health centre.