LASSA FEVER – SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Since 1969 when Lassa Fever was first experienced, cases of its attack on humans has been deadly and ranges between 300,000 to 500,000 yearly, with approximately 5,000 deaths according to “Wikipedia”. The name “Lassa” was gotten from the town where the first attack was experienced in Borno State, Nigeria, following the death of two missionary nurses. Lassa fever has now become a dreaded disease to some West African homes due to the widespread of the virus. Some of the countries in West Africa currently under the attack are; Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and some other neighbouring countries. This virus attack is prone to death, that’s why the “WHO” advices that ‘any individual with some symptoms pertaining to the virus should be reported to them’.

CAUSES OF LASSA FEVER

The virus is an animal-borne/animal disease which can be transmitted to humans by rats and rodents. When this virus hits these rats/rodents, they don’t exhibit any symptom of its infection yet, the virus is then given off in their excreta such as urine and faeces, which can also act as a particulate matter in a gaseous or airborne cloud (solid, liquid and gas). Below are the summary;
1. Rats and Rodents
2. Exposure to animal excreta such as faeces and urine through the inhalation of tiny particles of infected animals.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The generally observed signs and symptoms are;

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting (bloody)
3. Diarrhea (bloody)
4. Stomach ache
5. Constipation
6. Gastrointestinal tract (relating to the stomach and intestines)
7. Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
8. Hepatitis (liver)
9. Cardiovascular system (relating to the heart and blood vessels)
10. Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart surrounded membrane)
11. Hypertension
12. Hypotension
13. Tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate)
14. Respiratory tract (breathing problem)
15. Cough
16. Chest pain
17. Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
18. Pharyngitis (sore throught)
19. Pleuritis (relating to lungs)
20. Nervous system (nerves pains)
21. Encephalitis (brain pains)
22. Meningitis (headache)
23. Unilateral or bilateral hearing deficit
24. Seizures

PREVENTION OF THE DISEASE

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserted that “Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes. Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended. Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent populations; however, the wide distribution of Mastomys in Africa makes complete control of this rodent reservoir impractical”.

In the case of helping people that are with the virus, they also said; “When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further transmission of the disease through person-to-person contact or nosocomial routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient secretions (called VHF isolation precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment sterilization; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course”.

TREATMENT OF LASSA FEVER

As part of the struggle to combat this virus, doctors have tried some possible means in which this virus can be treated. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used with success in Lassa fever patients. It has been shown to be most effective when given early in the course of the illness. Patients should also receive supportive care consisting of maintenance of appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance, oxygenation and blood pressure, as well as treatment of any other complicating infections. These are the ways it can be treated for now.

It’ll be better to prevent yourself from this virus so as to maintain a healthy life. You’ve read this, you’ve understand, educate others around you.

Edited Sources and Mentions: Wikipedia, CDC, WHO