The Delta State Ministry of Environment has taken precautionary steps to prevent the spread of diseases such as the dreaded Lassa fever.

The State Commissioner for Environment, John Nani, explained that the deadly effects of these diseases on residents of the state necessitated proper fumigation of the environment.

Mr Nani was briefing reporters on Thursday at the busy Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, the Delta State capital in south-south Nigeria.

He was at the market to oversee a fumigation exercise which they tagged “operation kill the rats”, in order to take preventive measures against the spread of Lassa fever and other related diseases.

The Commissioner stated that making sure the environment was safe and clean from rats was a sure way to achieve a disease-free environment in the state.

He said that the fumigation exercise would be extended to other markets and dumpsites, while urging residents of the state not to drop the guard against the deadly disease.

The traders at the market commended the effort of the government in keeping their environment safe from deadly diseases.

The Lassa fever is an acute illness transmitted through contaminated food by rodents’ urine and excreta.