Lassa fever is a viral infectious disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is found mainly in West
Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and it affects both humans and animals. The virus is spread
through contact with food, saliva, or urine of infected rodents. Lassa fever can be a mild
illness, but it can also be severe and even fatal. Lassa Fever has proven itself to be a silent
killer with a record high of about 110 deaths between January and March 2018, a figure
higher than the total number of affected persons in the entire 2017. In this blog article, we
will be discussing the various aspects of Lassa fever, including its symptoms, diagnosis,
treatment, prevention, and the risks associated with it.
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is an acute, viral infectious disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is a member of
the Arenaviridae family and is closely related to the viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers
such as Ebola and Marburg. It is mainly found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and it
affects both humans and animals. The virus is spread through contact with food, saliva, or
urine of infected rodents. The first documented case occurred in 1969. Lassa fever is named
after the town in Nigeria where the first cases occurred.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
The initial symptoms of Lassa fever are similar to those of many other viral infections, such
as fever, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. However, more severe symptoms can
develop, including vomiting, facial swelling, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The most
severe cases can cause shock, bleeding, and organ failure.
The symptoms usually start to appear within 1-3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Other
symptoms of Lassa fever include rash, coughing, abdominal pain, and a sensitivity to light.
The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s age and health. In
some cases, the virus can cause hearing loss and neurological problems.
Diagnosis of Lassa Fever
Diagnosing Lassa fever will require a visit to the doctor as its symptoms are similar to other
forms of fever in the early stages.
If you have been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will likely perform a physical exam and
order blood tests to look for signs of the virus. The most common test used to diagnose
Lassa fever is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test is highly accurate and can
detect even small amounts of the virus.
Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to look for signs of
infection in your lungs. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to diagnose Lassa fever.
Treatment of Lassa Fever
The treatment of Lassa fever consists of supportive care, such as hydration and oxygen
therapy. Antiviral medications are also used to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Ribavirin is the most commonly prescribed antiviral medication for treating Lassa fever.
In some cases, it may be necessary to give additional supportive care, such as antibiotics to
treat bacterial infections, or blood transfusions to replace lost blood. In severe cases,
mechanical ventilation may be needed to help the patient breathe.
Prevention of Lassa Fever
The best way to prevent Lassa fever is to avoid contact with rodents and their urine, feces,
or saliva. If you think you may have been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek
medical help immediately.
It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and
avoiding contact with the saliva or urine of infected animals. If you have been exposed to
the virus, you should also avoid sharing items such as utensils, drinking glasses, and
toothbrushes with other people. Other ways to protect yourself from contacting the virus
include:
Store grains and other foodstuff in rodent-proof containers
Dispose of garbage far from the home
Regular fumigation to keep rodents away
While it may appear trivial, it has also been advised to keep cats as they are natural
predators of rats and other rodents that carry the Lassa virus
Lassa Fever Virus Statistics
According to the World Health Organization, Lassa fever affects more than 300,000 people
each year and is responsible for more than 5,000 deaths. The majority of cases occur in
Nigeria, but the virus has also been found in other West African countries, such as Sierra
Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
The virus is spread mainly through contact with food, saliva, or urine of infected rodents. It is
also possible for the virus to be spread from person to person through contact with the blood or body fluids
of an infected person.
Risk Factors for Lassa Fever
The risk of contracting Lassa fever is higher in certain areas of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria. People living
in or traveling to these areas should take extra precautions to avoid contact with rodents and their urine, feces, or saliva.
People who come into contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person are also at
risk of contracting the virus. Healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, are
particularly at risk of exposure to the virus.
Complications of Lassa Fever
Complications of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe. The most common complication
is hearing loss, which can be permanent. Other complications include neurological
problems, such as seizures and confusion, as well as organ failure and shock. In some cases, the virus can also cause death.
Supportive Care for Lassa Fever
The best way to treat Lassa fever is with supportive care. This includes hydration and oxygen therapy, as well as antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to help the patient breathe. It is also important to monitor the patient’s progress and watch for any signs of complications, such as hearing loss or neurological problems. If the patient does develop complications, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Lassa fever is a viral infectious disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is found mainly in West
Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and it affects both humans and animals. The virus is spread
through contact with food, saliva, or urine of infected rodents. The initial symptoms of Lassa
fever are similar to those of many other viral infections, such as fever, headache, muscle
pain, and sore throat. However, more severe symptoms can develop, including vomiting,
facial swelling, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
The best way to prevent Lassa fever is to avoid contact with rodents and their urine, feces,
or saliva. If you think you may have been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek
medical help immediately. The treatment for Lassa fever consists of supportive care, such as
hydration and oxygen therapy, as well as antiviral medications. In some cases, it may be
necessary to give additional supportive care, such as antibiotics to treat bacterial infections,
or blood transfusions to replace lost blood.
With prompt treatment, the symptoms of Lassa fever can be managed and the risk of
complications can be minimized.
