Lassa virus cause Lassa fever also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever, most often than not, people infected do not show any symptoms but when symptoms do occur it is more or less like Ebola.
Lassa virus (LASV) is an arenavirus that causes Lassa hemorrhagic fever,[1] a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), in humans and other primates. Lassa virus is an emerging virus and a select agent, requiring Biosafety Level 4-equivalent containment. It is endemic in West African countries, especially Sierra Leone, the Republic of Guinea, Nigeria, and Liberia, where the annual incidence of infection is between 300,000 and 500,000 cases, resulting in 5,000 deaths per year.
Wikipedia
I have heard of the recent outbreak in Nigeria but I was bit hesitant to read further because I had thought it was just a sporadic occurrences until this morning when I saw the yesterday reports on CNN about the fact that 72 Nigerians were confirm dead from the fever.
Nigeria is facing its worst Lassa fever outbreak on record, with 72 people confirmed to be dead from the virus and 317 infected, according to the World Health Organization.
Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)
According to the reports, a further 764 are suspected to be infected with the virus, and 2,845 contacts have been identified.
On average, Lassa fever is deadly in 1% of all individuals infected, with higher rates of 15% morbidity among people hospitalized for the illness. As of Sunday, the case fatality ratio was 22%, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Although it's endemic to the country, Lassa fever numbers have never reached this proportion before, according to the WHO.
This morning I also read the news about the death of one Ghanaian from this Lassa fever which was confirmed by Nuguchi research center and the health workers assured Ghanaians they are working to curb any spread of this virus.
While Lassa virus does not have high fatality rate it is still important we know its causes and how to protect ourselves from anywhere we are.
The virus has 1 in every 5 infections may show severe complications affecting the kidneys, liver and spleen, causing hemorrhage which may lead to death.
Upon entry, the Lassa virus infects almost every tissue in the human body. It starts with the mucosa, intestine, lungs and urinary system, and then progresses to the vascular system.
wikipedia
These are quick facts about the virus that will show you how to protect yourself;
It is a viral illness: as mentioned earlier, it is caused by Lassa virus. Illness usually lasts about 1-4 weeks and may end up in recovery or death.
Rats are major carriers of the virus: The virus is usually harbored by a rat known as Mastomys natalensis (multimammate rat) and can be spread to humans via food or household items contaminated with its urine or faeces.
source
It can also be transmitted from person to person though contact, food, faeces, urine and even sexual transmission has been reported.
Its symptoms may not manifest immediately and at this stage the infected person can still infect others therefore people suspected of contact with the virus or an infected person are to be secluded from the general population.
It could lead to deafness as this is one of the commonest sequelae of this infection and the deafness is permanent.
It currently has no vaccine
It can be treated
You can help keep you and your family safe by;
Storing all your dry foods like serials, legumes, gari and so in rodent-proof containers
source || Rodent-proof food containersAlways cook your stored food properly before eating.
Always wash pots, pans, dishes and cutlery properly before using.
Keep your kitchen and other surroundings tidy, collect refuse in bins with tight lids and dispose appropriately.
Wash your hands often especially before eating and before and after using the toilet.
Use hand sanitizes regularly.
If you or anyone around you experience any of the above signs and symptoms with no improvement, report to the hospital immediately.
The above precautionary measures may help you stay safe but it does not mean you should stop after the outbreak subsides, healthy living is an everyday thing.
One thing also is that you should be careful buying food from unknown vendors as you may not know the hygiene level. Do your due diligence to keep yourself self safe and keep steeming, we don't want to miss you.
Thanks for your attention and let's remember the affected regions and in prayer especial nigeria.
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Fabulous . Thank you for this useful information
thanks for sharing this piece of information...we are going to take precaution on this.
simple is that.... stay away from rat always 100 meter...thanks man