What you need to Know about lassa fever

Lassa fever is caused by a virus that is found in West Africa. It was first discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria when two missionary nurses died. Lassa fever is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria
and is spread by rats. Other neighboring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found
throughout the West African region.

Lassa fever is different from Ebola

Lassa fever is different from Ebola, the disease that is responsible for the current outbreak in West Africa. Although Lassa fever and Ebola can result in similar symptoms, Lassa fever is less likely than Ebola to spread from person to person and is far less deadly. The death rate from Lassa fever is approximately 1% versus approximately 70% from Ebola. While both diseases are viral hemorrhagic fevers, bleeding and severe symptoms are not common in cases of Lassa fever.


Signs and Symptoms of Lassa Fever

The illness usually starts with fever and general weakness.

Other signs and symptoms are headache, sore throat, pain behind the breast bone, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pains and red spots. In severe cases, it may progress to swollen face, bleeding (from mouth, nose, and vagina), gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure.

In extreme cases, shock, seizures, tremor, disorientation, and coma may be seen in the late stages. Deafness occurs in 25% of patients of whom half recover some function after 1-3 months. Transient hair loss and gait disturbance may occur during recovery.

Preventing Lassa Fever

Preventing of Lassa fever in the community is first about preventing the source. It is important to promote good hygiene. Here are some more measures to keep in place:

Avoid contact between rats and human beings;

Keep your house and Environment clean
Cover all foods and water properly.
Cook all foods thoroughly
Store foodstuffs in rodent proof containers
Block all rat hideouts
If you suspect that rat has eaten any food, discard it
And as soon as you suspect Lassa fever, or you have persistent fever not responding to the standard treatment for malaria and typhoid, report to the nearest Health facility.

Call the following hotlines for expert advice: 08037154575, 08023214998, 08037879701 and 08023047101

Early treatment with Oral Ribavirin is recommended. In severe infection, injection of Ribavirin is used. Barrier nursing is highly recommended. There is no evidence to support the role of ribavirin as post-exposure prophylactic treatment for Lassa fever.

Written by: Aiyelari Ifelolorun Ambrose