Causes, signs & symptoms, prevention -all you need to know about the new disease in town; Lassa Fever

 After the Ministry of Health of Nigeria confirmed and subsequently declared Lassa fever outbreak which has affected about 18 states with over 300 cases and 31 deaths, it will be necessary for us as Ghanaians to take precaution in order not to be caught off guard.

Lassa fever is an Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever illness which is endemic in the West Africa. The incubation period is 6-21 days.  The onset of LF illness is often gradual, with non-specific signs and symptoms and commonly presents with fever, general weakness and malaise at the early onset. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain may follow. Severe cases may progress to show facial swelling, and bleeding tendencies (from mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract, and low blood pressure. Shock, seizures, disorientation, and coma may be seen in the late stages. Complications include: deafness, transient hair loss and gait disturbance may occur during recovery. About 80 % of Lassa Fever infections are mild or asymptomatic. Here are some facts;

• Lassa fever virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine, saliva faeces, and blood of the rodent (Multi-mammate rat).  

• Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevent and control measures. 

• The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa and the multi-mammate rat serve as reservoir for the virus.

•  Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. 

• Ghana recorded first confirmed case(s) in 2011 and two districts, one each in Ashanti and Eastern regions then confirmed outbreaks of Lassa fever.

• Early use of Ribavarine (within seven days of disease onset), supportive care with re-hydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival. 

• There is no effective vaccine for the disease at the moment.

                         Prevention of Lassa fever

• Keep rats out of the house and food supplies.
• Ensure all foods are well cooked before eating.
• Keep your home clean and maintain personal hygiene.
• Dispose all refuse far away from your home.
• Avoid bodily fluid and blood contact while caring for a sick person.
• Ensure all foodstuffs are put in rodent-proof containers.

         Source: Ghana Health Service (GHS)