KNOW THE FACTS
What is? : It an active vital infection associated with persistent high fever. Lassa fever virus is transmitted by a Rat. The Rat that habours the virus that cause Lassa fever is called the Natal Multimamate rat (Mastomys Natalensis)
WHERE IS FOUND? : It has discovered first in Lassa, Brono State, Nigeria in 1969. However, it can be found in other places, especially in West Africa e.g Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
HOW IS IT SPREAD? : People can become infected by eating infected bush rat or eating food contaminated with the rat excreta/urine deposited on surfaces such as floors, beds, household utensil or in food and water (e.g. grains spread out to dry along the roads by farmers). Persons to persons spread also occurs by direct contact or inhalation of infected body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, throat secretions ect.
WHO CAN BE AFFECTED?: All age groups. Persons at greater risk are those in areas of poor sanitation and health workers managing such cases.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: The illness usually starts with fever, general weakness and malaise. Other signs and symptoms are headache, sore throat, pain behind the breastbone, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain and red spots. In severe cases, it may progress to swollen face, bleeding from mouth, nose, vagina, gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure.
HOW LASSA FEVER BE PREVENTED?
• Avoid contact between rats and human beings, keep your house and environment clean.
• Cover all foods and water properly.
• Discard any food part eaten by rats.
• Blockall rat hideout.
• Stop bush burning.
• Do not spread food items where rat can have access to it.
And as soon as you suspect lassa fever, or you have persistent for not responding to the standard treatment for malaria and typhoid report to the nearest Health facility or public Health Department.
TREATMENT OF SUSPECTED CASES
Early treatment with Oral Ribavirin is recommended.
In severe infection, injection of Ribavirin is used.
Barrier nursing is highly recommended.
Stay healthy and safe by keeping your environment clean.