It is an acute viral infectious disease that was
first discovered in a town called Lassa in Nigeria. It was first discovered in
1969.
HOW
IS IT TRANSMITTED?
·
The virus lives in a rodent (rat) known
as the multimammate rat. These species of rats reproduce rapidly. · Once infected, it continues to excrete the virus in its urine for a long period or the rest of its life.
· It usually colonises human homes and where food is kept.
· It is usually transmitted through ingestion (eating contaminated food) and inhalation (e.g. during cleaning activities like sweeping).
· It is not spread through casual contact without exchange of body fluid.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms usually occur 1-3 weeks after contact
with the virus. The symptoms include
·
Fever
·
Headache
·
Dry cough
·
Sore
throat
·
Back pain
·
Muscle
pains
·
Vomiting
·
Chills
·
Facial
swelling
·
Loss of
appetite
·
Weight
loss
·
Severe
chest pain
·
Severe
abdominal pain
·
Blood
pressure changes
·
Sudden
hypotension
·
Swollen
neck
·
Swollen
face
·
Swollen
eyes
·
Ringing
in ears
·
Rash
·
Bleeding
PREVENTION
OF LASSA FEVER
Lassa fever can be prevented by breaking the link
between the host (rat) and humans. This can be achieved by:
·
Putting food away in
rodent-proof containers.· Keeping the homes clean to discourage rodents from entering the home.
· Do not eat rodent.
· Use of traps in and around the homes can reduce the rodent population.
·
Observe good personal hygiene, including hand
washing with soap and running water regularly;
·
Dispose of your waste
properly and clean the environment so that rats are not attracted.
COMPLICATIONS
OF LASSA FEVER
·
Deafness· Abortion in pregnant women.
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