LASSA FEVER AWARENESS

Recently there has been cases of lassa fever in Nigeria with some reported deaths.So,
WHAT IS LASSA FEVER?
Lassa Fever is a viral illness that typically occurs in West Africa.It is a type of viral hemorrhagic Fever caused by the Lassa virus.The illness was named after a village in northern Nigeria where the first case was recorded in 1969 following the death of two nurses.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF LASSA FEVER AND HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Lassa virus is transmitted to human body through handling of rats, consumption or inhalation of rat urine or feces.The virus can spread between people through direct contact with the  body fluids of  a person infected with lassa fever as well as contaminated bedding and clothing. The presence of virus in the blood is known to peak four to nine days after symptoms begin.It occurs in all ages and sexes and  mainly with people living in a dirty areas where rats are usually found especially in communities with poor sanitation living conditions.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LASSA FEVER?
The symptoms start slowly and gradually with signs of fever,Cough,general weakness,Swollen
airways.After a few days,headache,sore throat,muscle pain chest pain,vomiting and diarrhea ,abdominal pain may follow.In some cases bleeding from the mouth,nose vagina etc.Death usually occurs within 14 days of manifestation.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS INFECTED WITH LASSA FEVER
Once you noticed that someone has been infected with lassa fever, the following steps should be taken, avoid contact the person,advise the person to take enough water,seek medical advise.

PREVENTION OF LASSA FEVER
The major way to prevent lassa fever is to promote community hygiene.
 Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with  rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur.Encourage hand washing at regular basis,storing grains and other food stuffs in a rodent proof containers,cooking all foods thoroughly,disposing of garbage far from the home,maintaining clean house holds,keeping cats as domestic pets can also help in keeping away rats.
Finally,regular fumigation from a professional pest controller.

From Chidi Odileke (Somplus Facilities and Environmental Services)