An infectious diseases expert, Dr Iorhen Akase, has advised the public to maintain the best hygiene practices against infectious diseases.

Mr Akase, Head of Infectious Diseases Unit, LUTH, Idi-Araba, gave the advice during an interview on Friday in Lagos.

According to him, reported cases of viral infections are on the rise especially in the present weather condition, with some states suffering major outbreaks of the diseases.

He noted that respiratory infections were currently common among citizens, especially upper respiratory infection, adding that dry and cold weather conditions injure the respiratory mucosal of humans.

Mr Akase noted that Lassa fever, meningitis, cholera, malaria, tuberculosis among others were affecting the country, saying infection could be prevented with the right measures in place.

“There are two major factors that drive infectious diseases; poverty and illiteracy. In any society where you have a high poverty rate and illiteracy, there will surely be infectious diseases.

“Tackling these ills goes beyond treating infection. It goes beyond medical issues to socio-economic issues; when the socio-economic indices of the society improves, infection rate declines. We have to holistically look at literacy rate, reduction of poverty, vaccination, housing, environmental hygiene and waste disposal,” he said.

Mr Akase said that public awareness should be intensified, noting that an informed society would be less prone to infectious diseases, as citizens are better able to protect themselves, follow directives, and report for better and timely healthcare.

He stressed the need to embrace a one health approach to prevent and tackle common threats affecting the health and well-being of humans, animals, plants and environment together.

The expert advised the public to practise good hygiene, maintain a clean environment, block holes in the house to prevent rodent entry, prevent stagnant water, desilt drainage and ensure proper disposal of garbage.

Mr Akase advised healthcare workers to always implement standard Infection prevention and control measures in the face of an escalating fight against infectious diseases.

(NAN)