Lassa Fever: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment.

Lassa fever is once again ravaging the nation. there has been several cases of this fever especially in ebonyi but none has ever been this deadly. The outbreak recorded its first case in November 2015 in bauchi and has been discovered in nine other states which include Nassarawa,Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo Plateau, Gombe, and Oyo.

As of the last count the disease has claimed 41 lives and not less than 80 reported cases and as at the moment the FG is yet to declare a state of emergency.

Here is a details you need to know about Lassa Fever.

Possible ways of contracting the disease

• From Rodents that live in our houses via the excreta the leave on floors, food, bed, table etc

• Exposure of cuts, scratches with infected material or inhalation of  dust particles.

• Caring giving/contact with an infected person.

Symptoms

Early signs of Lassa fever is often misdiagnosed as common cold, typhoid or malaria and as a result many patients fail to receive  adequate medical treatment. It is always difficult to identify this disease as about 80 percent of the cases are without symptoms whereas the remaining 20 percent presents a complex course.

Prevention

Lassa fever is best handled by first preventing any encouter with the source. The promotion of good hygiene is highly essential. Here are some more measures to keep in place:
Avoid contact between rats and human beings;

• Keep your rooms, house and Environment clean
• Cover all foods and water reservoirs properly.
• Ensure all foods are thoroughly cooked.
• Ensure foodstuffs are stored in rodent proof containers
• Block all rat pathways and hideouts
• If you suspect that any food has been eaten by rodent, discard it properly.
• Do not prepare or consume any delicacy prepared with rats.

Treatment
 And as soon as you suspect Lassa fever, or you have persistent fever not responding to the standard treatment for malaria and typhoid, Please report to the nearest Health facility.


Please note: This article is purely for enlightenment purposes. Contact a qualified  physician for further information.