The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria: Beware of Lassa fever!!

Dear All,

Nigeria has been experiencing Lassa fever outbreak in the past six weeks in Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo and Oyo states with the Federal Government stating that the number of reported cases since the outbreak is 76 with 35 deaths already recorded and 14 cases confirmed by laboratories. Although there has not been any reported case in Lagos, we need to take the necessary precaution in all what we do including educating ourselves on the causes of Lassa fever and improving on our hygiene both at work and at home.

According to the WHO, Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses and was first described in 1969 in the town of Lassa, in Borno State, Nigeria. It is transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa. The possibility of person-to-person infections with about 80% of the cases being asymptomatic and laboratory transmission makes it a very dangerous disease, particularly in the hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures.

A.     SYMPTOMS OF LASSA FEVER

The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever commonly happens 4-21 days after post infection with the virus. Mild symptoms include:

i.                    Weakness

ii.                  Headaches

iii.                Slight fever

iv.                General illness

However, the disease might progress to more serious symptoms that include

i.                    hemorrhaging of the person’s eyes, gums, or nose

ii.                   repeated vomiting, respiratory distress

iii.                 pain in the back, chest and abdomen, facial swelling and shock.

iv.                The most common complication of Lassa fever is deafness. Different degrees of deafness happen in around one-third of those who become infected. Between 15-20% of people who are hospitalized for Lassa fever die from the illness. Only 1% of all Lassa virus infections; however, result in the person’s death.

B.     WAYS OF PREVENTING LASSA FEVER.

The good thing about this disease is that it is preventable. Thus, the importance of good hygiene. Here are some more measures to keep in place:

i.                    Avoid contact between rats and human beings

ii.                   Keep your house and Environment clean Cover all foods and water properly.

iii.                Cook all foods thoroughly

iv.                Store foodstuffs in rodent proof containers

v.                  Block all rat hideouts if you suspect that rat has eaten any food. Please stay safe and share with others to create awareness. Thanks