LASSA FEVER ALERT

What is Lassa fever?

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness , caused by a virus in the Arenaviridae family, found in a particular type of rodent called Mastomys.

How is Lassa fever transmitted?

Rodents shed the virus in urine and dropping. The virus can be spread through direct contact with these materials, through touching contaminated objects or eating contaminated food, or through cuts or sores. It also may occur when a person inhales tiny particles in the air contaminated with rodent excretions, when rodents are consumed as a food source, or by contact with an infected persons’ blood, tissue, secretions, or stool.

Where does Lassa fever occur?

Lassa fever is found in parts of West Africa, including Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, as well as Nigeria. However, because the rodent which carries the virus is found throughout West Africa, it may be found in other West Africa nations. This year there are increased cases in Nigeria and Liberia.

What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?

Symptoms usually include fever, pain behind the chest wall, sore throat, back pain, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, protein in the urine, and bleeding in the mucus membranes. Complications including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis. Spontaneous abortion is another serious complication.

Is there a cure for Lassa fever?

Ribavirin, an antiviral drug is used to treat Lassa fever patients. It has been shown to be most effective when given in the first days of illness. Supportive care is also necessary to manage symptoms and complications.

Preventing Lassa fever

There is no vaccine for Lassa fever. Reduce your risk of getting infected by:

· avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur

· putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes

· do not use these rodents as a food source

· if caring for patients with Lassa fever, use preventive precautions against contact with patient secretions by wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles

· using infection control measures, such as complete equipment sterilization; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons