Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness that occurs in West Africa.The virus was discovered in Nigeria in 1969 and has since then it has been a major challenge to West Africa. It has also been reported in other West African Countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo. This article arms at enlighting you on vital information regarding lassa fever as well as preventive measures.
Below are five things you should know about Lassa Fever:
1. The Reservoir: The reservoir of the Lassa virus is a rodent of the genus Mastomys, known as the “multimammate rat” . The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans mainly through food or household items contaminated by infected rats’ urine and faeces, and by handling infected rats
2. The symptoms: A major challenge in the diagnosis of Lassa fever is that it shares similar symptoms with many diseases, however, the most common symptoms include:
▪ gradual onset of fever, malaise and general weakness;
▪ after a few days: headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain.
▪ In severe cases, patient may present with bleeding, neck/facial swelling and shock.
▪ Sequelae: Various degrees of deafness have been shown to occur in 25% of
survivors. Hearing returns after 1-3 months in only 50% of these patients.
3. It is curable and Patients recover fully: With early diagnosis and management, 85% of the patients recover fully and are discharged. Intensive supportive care is given to patients, including: monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance and renal function, careful rehydration.
▪Supportive drug therapy, including: painkillers, antiemetic for vomiting, anxiolytic for agitation, +/- antibiotics and/or antimalarial drugs.
▪The antiviral drug ribavirin can be given early in the course of the disease.
▪Supportive drug therapy, including: painkillers, antiemetic for vomiting, anxiolytic for agitation, +/- antibiotics and/or antimalarial drugs.
▪The antiviral drug ribavirin can be given early in the course of the disease.
4. No vaccines yet.
5 Preventive measures include:
a). Regular Hand Washing
b). Store food in Containers with lid.
c). Keeping your Home clean and tidy
d). Keep a cat to help keep rats away.
e). All foods should be thouroughly cooked.
f). Report any of the Symptoms to the nearest Hospital.