The rising cases of this deadly disease is so alarming that it is worthy of mentioning on this platform, in order for us to be updated about its activities and whether there be any efforts made by the government for its extinction.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus, is a member of the Arenaviridae virus family. It was first discovered in 1969 in the town of Lassa, in Borno State, Nigeria. It is transmitted by to humans through contact with the feces or urine of the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis).
Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever. Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has been reported.
After an incubation period of six to 21 days, an acute illness with multi organ involvement develops. Nonspecific symptoms include fever, facial swelling, and muscle fatigue, as well as
conjunctivitis and mucosal bleeding. The other symptoms arising from the affected organs are: Gastrointestinal tract, Nausea, Vomiting (bloody), Diarrhea (bloody), Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Hepatitis, Cardiovascular system, Pericarditis, Hypertension, Tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate), Respiratory tract, Cough, Chest pain, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Unilateral or bilateral hearing deficit, Seizures, among others.
WHO updates:
World Health Organisation (WHO) on their website showed that between August 2015 and 17 May 2016, WHO has been notified of 273 cases of Lassa fever, including 149 deaths in Nigeria. Of these, 165 cases and 89 deaths have been confirmed through laboratory testing (CFR: 53.9 percent). The cases were reported from 23 states.
Since August 2015, 10 health care workers (HCW) have been infected with Lassa virus, of which two have died. Of these ten cases, four were nosocomial infections. Just two weeks ago, two medical doctors died from the disease in Anambra and Delta States.
As of 17 May 2016, eight states reported Lassa fever cases (suspected, probable, and confirmed), deaths and/or following of contacts for the maximum 21-day incubation period. Currently, 248 contacts are being followed up in the country. The other 15 previously affected states have completed the 42-day period following last known possible transmission.
Public health response:
Currently, two national laboratories are supporting the laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever cases by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. All the samples were also tested for Ebola, Dengue, Yellow fever and so far have tested negative. The two laboratories that are currently operational are: Virology laboratory, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Lassa Fever Research & Control Centre, Irrua Specialist Hospital.
WHO is also supporting Ministry of Health in surveillance and response of Lassa fever outbreaks including contacts tracing, follow up and community mobilization.
Admonition:
Keep your house clean & tidy. Stay away from eating outside (...I mean, buying cooked food outside). Wash your fruits properly. Regularly wash your hands. More importantly, always use rodents killer or gum mouse trap (... Do not kill any rodent with your hands or foot).
Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
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