Hello Festac , Hello Amuwo Odofin , as we have heard there is a recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in the country , most especially of the spread to Lagos State.
To avoid and prevent this spread of the deadly and fatal virus , Festac Online would be sharing with you Important facts you should know about this deadly disease called LASSA FEVER!!!!
In the last 6 weeks , Nigeria has suffered outbreak of Lassa Fever which has so far spread to thirteen states , The states affected include Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Abuja, Lagos and Oyo, Imo and has also claimed lives.
So far 35 deaths have been recorded and
Lassa Fever: 10 Quick Facts To Know
- Lassa Fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. It is classified a Zoonotic disease
2. Lassa virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to a family called Arenaviridae.
The natural host or reservoir of this virus is a rodent known as the ‘multimammate’ rat that belongs to the mastomys genus.
These rats breed breed very frequently and readily colonise homes, hence the easy spread of this zoonotic virus from infected rodents to unsuspecting humans.
- Lassa Fever can be spread and contracted through humans by direct contact with the urine, faeces, blood or other bodily secretions of an affected person.
The virus is spread to humans via the rat’s urine in airborne droplets or contaminated food.
Also Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in the hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures.
It is transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta.
- There are some symptoms that Lassa Fever is characterized by some are ; high fever, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, back pain , vomiting and bleeding in the skin
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The disease was first recognized in a town called Lassa, in Borno State, Nigeria in 1969 by two missionary nurses who died after being affected.
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Patients and victims most times die within 14days on an average. It takes 3 – 17 days for the virus to get full blown.
Then fever sets in ,later stages of the disease may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and petechiae, tiny purplish spots in the skin caused by leakage of blood from the capillaries.
Heart and kidney failure may also occur in severe cases, and mortality is high, ranging from about 15% to, among pregnant women, as much as 60%.
- During 2012 and 2013, more than 2900 cases were reported in widespread outbreaks that occurred across many states. States affected in 2013 are shown in this map.
8. Currently, there is no cure for Lassa Fever, however the only available drug, Ribavirin, can be effective if it is administered early on in the infection (within the first 6 days).
- Prevention is still the best option as Lassa Fever is better prevented than being cured. Ensure that foodstuffs is kept airtight especially Garri in rodent-proof containers.
Homes , environments , markets should also be kept clean and free of rodents. The spread of the virus can be prevented by storing food (especially grains) in airtight, rodent-proof containers, keeping cats and being careful to avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids.
10.The dry season (such as we now are in) is usually the highest season of Lassa fever because of bush burning that drive these rats from the bushes into the homes, preferably. Other local and cultural habits of drying foods on the roads, streets and even around houses carelessly also provide avenues for the spread of the virus.”
Bonus Fact: About 80% of people who become affected by the Lassa virus usually have no symptoms. The overall mortality rate is estimated to be 1%, but during epidemics, mortality can climb as high as 50% – Aitonline
Let us all help to keep Lassa Fever out of Festac Town and Amuwo Odofin!!!!
Source Cosmopolitan.ng; aitonline; Flatimes