Firstly, it is important to know some facts about
the deadly Lassa fever which is currently a major
concern in Nigeria. Below are 8 things you must know about Lassa
fever and how to protect yourself from the virus.
1. It is a viral illness: it is caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.
Illness usually lasts about 1-4 weeks and may
end up in recovery or death.
2. Rats are major carriers of the virus:The virus is usually harboured 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.
3. It can be transmitted from person to person : a non- infected person can get the virus from an infected person if he comes in direct contact
with blood, urine, faeces or other body
secretions of the infected person. Sexual
transmission had also been reported according
to the WHO.
4. Its symptoms may not manifest immediately: An infected person may not show any symptoms until 1-3 weeks after exposure to
the virus, so you must always be on guard, that
seemingly well person beside you may just have
come in contact with the virus a few days ago.
5. Symptoms may initially resemble common cold or malaria symptoms: symptoms appear gradually and may include: fever, weakness,
headaches,nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,stomach
pain, sore throat, cough or chest pain. Do not
take any of these symptoms to be your usual
malaria or common cold especially if you’ve been
taking drugs at home and there is no improvement. In severe cases, symptoms may
include bleeding from the mouth, nose and
vagina which may lead to low blood pressure.
6. It could lead to spontaneous abortion in pregnant women: The illness is usually severe in pregnant women especially those in their third
trimester and almost always leads to death of the
unborn child.
7. It could lead to deafness: Deafness is a common complication that can occur in people
infected with the virus regardless of how severe
the infection, hearing loss is usually permanent.
8. It has no vaccine but can be treated: There is currently no vaccine available to prevent it
however it can be treated with an antiviral drug
known as Ribavarin which is usually effective
when given early in the course of the illness.
How can you protect yourself? Start by getting rid of the animal reservoirs of the
virus(rats) in your home and office; use
pesticides and rat traps. This might also be a
good time to fumigate your environment. 1. Store dry foods like Rice, beans and Garri in
containers with tight lids. 2. Avoid eating such foods without cooking
properly. 3. Always wash pots, pans, dishes and cutlery
properly before using. 4. Keep your kitchen and other surroundings
tidy, collect refuse in bins with tight lids and
dispose appropriately. 5. Wash your hands often especially before
eating and before and after using the toilet. 6. Use hand sanitizers regularly. 7. If you or anyone around you experience any
of the above signs and symptoms with no
improvement, report to the hospital immediately. 8. Practice safe sex.
Written by Dr.O.Thank's for reading my article
MUST READ: 8 ways to protect yourself from Lassa FeverCreated at 2016-01-23
0
Rate up
Star
Share: 
|
