In continuation of its malaria eradication programme in the state, the Lagos State Government has conducted a 19-day Indoor Residual Spraying exercise in no fewer than 80,000 households in Maidan Orile in Kosofe Local Government Area, Igbogbo/Baiyeku in Ikorodu Local Government Area and Ibeju/Lekki Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this in Lagos on Monday, explained that the choice of the local government areas was informed by recommendation of the state’s epidemiologist team who, based on scientific research and survey, identified the areas as having high rate of malaria prevalence.
He pointed out that government has already shifted its strategy in tackling the scourge of malaria in the state to prevention strategy hence the adoption of the IRS which he defined as the application of safe and effective chemicals (insecticide) on walls and ceilings of houses to kill mosquitoes and other harmful insects.
Idris noted that government has invested a lot of funds in the indoor residual spraying exercise to reduce the scourge of malaria in the state coupled with the distribution of about 4.2 million of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets to various households in the state last year.
The commissioner explained that malaria is spread by mosquitoes, which bite and rest indoors thereafter, hence the IRS exercise will only be conducted on the inner walls of houses after which mosquitoes carrying malaria germs perching on the walls in the house will die, adding that spraying could be carried out just before the rainy season and repeated after six months.
He also urged all Lagosians to prevent malaria attacks through eradication of mosquito breeding grounds by ensuring that they have a clean and healthy environment free from clogged roof gutters, disused tyres poorly drained flat roofs, plant hollows and cavities, abandoned wells, storage tanks, disused utensils, tins, etc, flower pots clay liners, uncovered septic tanks, uncovered large body of fresh/salt water and refuse.
Idris noted that though the chemical used is not harmful to human beings but noted that people should keep away from the room until after two hours to allow the insecticide to dry properly as well as reduce possible human allergic reactions to the chemical.
The commissioner urged residents of the areas to cooperate with the spray team by allowing them access to their houses, remove portable household items especially food stuffs, water and valuable items before spraying, provide a jerry can of clean water to mix the chemicals for spraying and staying outside for at least two hours after to allow the insecticide to dry.