Health and Life Column: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LASSA FEVER

                                                     INTRODUCTION 
It is a household name in the northern part of Nigeria specifically Borno. Lassa is otherwise known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF). It was first discovered in 1969 in the town of LASSA in Borno state Nigeria. It occurs more often in dry season.
What is Lassa fever?

It is an acute and fatal viral disease with fever and occurring chiefly in West Africa. It’s usually acquired from infected rats.

WHO defines Lassa fever?
As an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus; a member of the Arenavirus family of viruses. It is transmitted to humans from contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.
The recent Lassa fever outbreak has killed many people including a medical doctor; hence human’s must take precaution by knowing the symptom.

SYMPTOMS: Almost like Ebola, symptoms occur typically between one to three weeks after infection. The symptoms include;
Hemorrhagic fever, Dry cough, sore throat, Back pain, muscle pains, vomiting,  Diarrheal, chills, pharyngitis, facial swelling, loss of appetite lethargy, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, maculopapular rash, blood changes, sudden hypotension, swollen; neck, eyes, face, ringing ears, rash, Bleeding, Heart rate changes. etc.

These symptoms varied and maybe non specific, hence clinical diagnosis is often difficult. Its onset and incubation is usually about 10 days.
Causes:- Risks factors or potential causal risk factors related to Lassa fever are; International travel, Rodent, viral disease infected fluid.
Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has been reported

Treatment;
Isolation
Oxygen
Cardiac monitors
Medications may include; Ribavirin, Transfusion, vaccines, zidampidine.
No vaccine for Lassa fever is currently available for use in humans, and the only available drug – RIBAVIRIN is only effective if administered early in the cause of the illness.
Geographical Distribution:- Lassa fever is endemic to West Africa. Confined incidences have been recorded in Sieria Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Mali
Prevention of Lassa fever
Primary transmission of the Lassa fever virus from its list to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with mastomys rodents specifically in regions where outbreak occurs.
a. Covering of edible – food, fruits
b. Maintaining hygienic environment
c. Discourage human from eating rodents
d. Setting of trap in and around homes can help reduce rodent population.
CARING FOR LASSA FEVER PATIENTS
When caring for Lassa fever patients, since it can be contacted through body contact, bodily contact should be avoided.
Precaution:
1. Wearing protective clothing like Gloves, mask, gown, goggles
2. Using infection control measure such as;
         Sterilization of equipment
Isolation of infected.

Special thanks to the person that made this edition possible: Osagie Paschal Omonluyi
(College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State).
(08039593888)