The african nation of nigeria is being hit hard by the deadly virus lassa fever. Created in 1969, this infectious illness has been steadily rising for decades. While much attention has recently been given to diseases like ebola and zika, lassa fever does not receive the same amount of media coverage and yet it continues to impact many nigerians every year with devastating effects.


Its symptoms can be more serious than even that of malaria and include fever, fatigue, chest pain, hemorrhaging, nausea and headache. With no existing vaccine or cure against this virus yet available to care providers in the region; a proactive approach is becoming urgently necessary. This blog will aim to inform readers about the causes, symptoms and treatments associated with lassa fever including an analysis on prevention measures that could help reduce nigerian deaths from this disease exponentially while saving lives throughout africa as well!

 

What is lassa fever?

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that is spread through contact with the excretions of a certain type of rodent, commonly found in west africa. The infection, which is caused by a virus from the arenaviridae family, usually takes place during dry season, and is more frequent in rural areas. Symptoms range from fever to facial swelling and uncontrolled bleeding, and can be fatal if left untreated.


Fortunately, the disease can be prevented using proper precautions such as avoiding contact with cases and decreasing close contact with rodents. Infected individuals should promptly seek medical attention for treatment with ribavirin or interferon alpha-2b if necessary. With proper caution and timely treatment, outbreaks can be contained and human suffering reduced.

 

How is it spread

Lassa fever is a viral illness that can be spread through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected individual, or with food or household items that have come into contact with these fluids. It is most commonly transmitted by rats that carry lassa virus particles on their fur and in their droppings, which can infect anyone who comes into contact with them.


Lassa fever can also spread through close contact with an individual who has been infected and indirect contact with objects from an infected person’s home such as bedding, utensils and clothing. People living in west africa, especially nigeria, are particularly vulnerable due to widespread infestations of rats carrying lassa virus.


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Symptoms of the disease

Lassa fever is a potentially fatal disease that affects people living in west africa and is caused by lassa virus. Common symptoms of lassa fever include fever, headache, sore throat, weakness, muscle pain, abdominal pain and rash. As lassa fever progresses, more serious symptoms can develop such as vomiting, diarrhoea and deafness.


In very severe cases there may be bleeding from the mouth or nose as well as kidney and liver failure which can lead to shock and even death. Early detection is key to reduce the severity of lassa fever symptoms so it's helpful to be aware of the signs and seek medical help if necessary.

 

Treatment for lassa fever

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever found in africa and one of the most severe infections that humans can contract. As lassa fever has similar symptoms to other illnesses, it often goes undiagnosed until it is too late. Treatment of lassa fever has improved substantially in recent years: early diagnosis followed by supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte management, and administration of antiviral drugs such as ribavirin can reduce mortality rate considerably.


Lassa fever can be prevented if contact with rodents that carry infection is minimized, living spaces are kept clean, storage food containers are secured from rodent access. It is also important to have high levels of hygiene practices when handling any body fluids from patients infected with lassa fever.

 

Prevention tips to avoid contracting lassa fever

Prevention of the disease lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease found in parts of west africa. Lassa fever can cause the junctions between tissues and organs to severely deteriorate, leading to bleeding, shock, and organ failure if left untreated.


Fortunately, lassa fever is preventable through early detection and mitigation measures such as proper hygiene practices like regular hand-washing and housekeeping hygiene, avoiding contact with rodents that might carry lassa fever, storing food safely and securely, preventing mosquito bites through the wearing of repellants or protective clothing, and ensuring prompt treatment of lassa fever cases when they are detected. If these prevention steps are taken seriously at household level communities may successfully reduce risks associated with lassa fever.


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Recent updates on the spread of lassa fever in nigeria

Lassa fever is a viral illness found throughout west africa, and it has recently been making news headlines in nigeria. Reported cases have recently seen an uptick, with the virus spreading through 19 different states across the region. Lassa fever is spread by rats, contact with contaminated items or surfaces, as well as person-to-person contact through secretions such as saliva and urine. Symptoms typically include fever, sore throat, vomiting, chest and abdominal pain.


Lassa fever can be deadly if left untreated, leading to organ damage or even death in some cases. It is important to take all the necessary precautions when traveling to at risk areas in order to prevent infection - wearing long pants and sleeves, using pest control products to keep away rats and keeping homes and food clean are important steps you should take.


Please book an appointment with the Best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find the verified doctor for your disease.


Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/nigerian-lassa-fever-sweeping-news