Lassa Virus: Oodles to be told

According to the Cable News, at least 40 Nigerians have lost their lives to the current outbreak of Lassa Fever across 10 states of the federation, but the ministry of health continues with efforts to keep the figures that low while eliminating the virus.

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, had said at a press conference on Tuesday, that “the good news is that there have been no new confirmed cases or deaths in the last 72 hours . This is a reflection of our coordinated response and advocacy to all states.”

Things to know about Lassa Virus

Geographical location

Lassa fever is caused by a virus that is found in West Africa. Lassa virus, the causative agent of Lassa fever, belongs to the family Arenaviridae. It was first discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria when two missionary nurses died. Lassa fever is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria and is spread by rats. Other neighbouring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found throughout the West African region.

Transmission

• Rodent-to-human

- Inhalation of aerosolized virus

- Ingestion of food or materials contaminated by infected rodent excreta

- Catching and preparing mastomys as a food source

• Human-to-human

- Direct contact with blood, tissues, secretions or excretions of infected humans

- Needle stick or cut

- Inhalation off aerosolized virus

Lassa patient

Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever

• Typically occur 1 to 3 weeks after a person is infected. 
• Most people who are infected have mild symptoms and so go undiagnosed. Mild symptoms include slight fever, feeling tired and weak, and headache. 
• Lassa fever can be treated In some people, the disease may cause more serious symptoms like bleeding; difficulty breathing; vomiting; facial swelling; pain in the chest, back, and abdomen; and shock. 
• Only an estimated 1% of all Lassa fever cases result in death. 

Prevention

• Lassa fever can be prevented through the following means. 
• Promoting good “community hygiene” to bar rats from entering homes.
• Grains and other foodstuffs should be stored in rodent-proof containers, while disposing garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households.
• A large number of Nigerians do not love keeping cats, but the WHO prescribes that keeping cats can help keep Lassa fever away, by keeping rats away altogether.
• Family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

Treatment

If a healthcare worker suspects Lassa fever in a patient, a laboratory test can diagnose the disease. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used to successfully treat patients with Lassa fever. It is most effective when given soon after a patient becomes sick. Patients should also receive supportive care, including maintaining their hydration, oxygen levels, and blood pressure, and treatment of any other complicating infections.

Treatment in Nigeria is free ***

Ribavirin is relatively cheap, but said to be expensive for those really affected by the outbreak, hence, Isaac Adewole, the minister of health, has said “all health facilities in the country are hereby directed to emphasize routine infection prevention and control measures, and ensure that all patients are treated free”.

If any of the symptoms highlighted above are seen, Nigerians are advised to immediately contact the state epidemiologist in the state ministry of health or call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Federal Ministry of Health using the following numbers: 08093810105, 08163215251, 08031571667 and

08135050005.

Remember, treatment is free!
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Have a wonderful day.