TVCE – Apart from Ebola, Dengue and some others, Lassa fever is another lethal viral haemorrhagic fever. It’s predominantly a disease of West Africa that was first discovered in 1969 in a Nigerian town called Lassa where two missionary nurses died from the disease.
Since then, investigation reveals that there have been periodic epidemic outbreaks of the disease in different parts of Nigeria and the West African subcontinent.
According to Nigeria’s minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, the viral illness has killed 40 persons and 86 cases already reported across seven states of Nigeria namely Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Bauchi, Oyo, Niger and Nasarawa.
Sequel to the above, below are facts you need to know as far as Lassa virus is concerned.
First, Lassa fever is a viral illness : It’s an acute viral illness caused by Lassa virus which was first discovered in Nigeria. Lassa virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to a family called Arenaviridae. The natural host or reservoir of this virus is a rodent known as the ‘multimammate’ rat that belongs to the mastomys genus. It’s been observed that mastomys rats breed very frequently and readily colonise homes, hence the easy spread of this zoonotic virus from infected rodents to unsuspecting humans.
Second, Lassa fever is quite common in West Africa: Lassa virus infections are common enough in West Africa to warrant public health concern. Averagely, about 300000 cases are recorded each year with 5000 deaths. Unfortunately, the present Lassa epidemic in Nigeria has already spanned 7 states and affected at least 150 people with 7 casualties already reported.
Third, Lassa fever usually produces symptoms: Lassa virus has an incubation period of 1 – 3 weeks following which signs and symptoms of the infection emerge. Initially, non-specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, back pain, abdominal pain or pain behind the chest wall may be felt as well as vomiting, diarrhoea and facial swelling. As the disease progresses, mucosal bleeding and bleeding from body orifices may follow.
Fourth, Lassa fever is better prevented: Prevention is better than cure. Since no vaccine has been developed yet for Lassa virus infection, people must employ every possible means to avoid contact with rodents and infected people. Our homes must be kept clean and rodent-free, foods should be stored in rodent-proof containers. Health care givers must practise barrier nursing methods such as isolation of infected patients and consistent use of face masks, gloves, gowns and goggles when attending to such patients.
Fifth, How is Lassa virus spread to humans?: Humans can contract the virus when they come in contact, directly or indirectly with the urine and droppings from infected rats or by breathing in tiny particles from air that has been contaminated with rodent excretions. Some humans who eat infected rodents can equally contract the virus. Lastly, if adequate precautions are not taken, care givers who handle or treat infected persons can contract the virus from contaminated blood, tissues, secretions or excretions of such patients. However, it cannot be spread through casual skin-to-skin contacts, provided there are no cuts or bruises.
Sixth, Lassa fever can be treated: Provided the affected person presents early enough and prompt diagnosis of Lassa fever is made, an antiviral agent called Ribavirin has been shown to be quite effective in reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. In addition to ribavirin administration, supportive treatment may also be given to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance as well as the blood pressure.
Seventh, Untreated Lassa fever often results in death: It was estimated that 15 – 30% of patients who are admitted for Lassa fever end up dying from the illness. Moreover, death rates are even higher for pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester and their unborn babies. Sadly, mortality rates in the latter group sometimes approach 95%. Furthermore, up to one-third of Lassa fever survivors may suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss which may be permanent.
Sobia Amer
March 1, 2016 at 8:19 am
Do you know that there is a great Herbal dr who can cure any deadly disease. Like Cancer, syphilis, madness, low spam count e.t.c. Well my main reason why i am writing this right now is to inform the whole world about the great deeds, Dr. Ehigie did for me. I was diagnosed of this deadly disease in the year 2011 ever since then i was taking my medications, until i met the great spell caster, though i never believed in spell. I saw many testimonies on how a great spell caster cured their deadly diseases. I contacted him through his email. He gave me a form to fill, I filled it and send it back to him. He told me that his god’s required some items in which he will use in casting a curing spell on me. I don’t know where to find the items he required. He told me that the only alternative is forme send him the money, then he can help me to purchase the items from the items sellers. I promised myself to do anything to get cured. I sent him the money. He bought the items and casted a curing spell on me. 7 day later he asked me to go for check-up, when i did the check-up i was tested HIV Negative. If you passing through hardship and you need a way out, kindly contact him via his email on dr.ehigiehomeofsolution@gmail.com….