LASSA FEVER

WHAT IS LASSA FEVER?

Lassa fever is a disease caused by Lassa Virus which is spread mostly by rats.

This virus was discovered in 1969 when it took away the lives of two nurses. It was named after the Lassa town in Borno State, Nigeria.

This disease is of a zootonic type (mostly spread by animals). The primary carrier of Lassa fever is the Mastomys rat.

The virus is contained in the urine and feaces of the rodents. Thus, the Lassa fever can be caught if you come in contact with any of these substances, although there is no evidence that this disease can spread in an airborne environment. We should be thankful for that.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

° High fever.
° Sore throat
° Back pain
° Chest pain
° Muscle pain
° weakness
° Cough
° Vomiting
° Bloody diarrhoea
° Swelling of the face,eyes and neck
° Stomach pain
° Restlessness
° Bleeding through body openings ( nose,ears,eyes,mouth,etc.)

PREVENTION OF LASSA FEVER

°Block all the holes around your house
°Do not touch rats ( dead or alive ) with bare hands
°Do not spread food items along road side and open spaces
°Do not eat food partly eaten by rats (or other animals.)
°Avoid eating rats
°Cook all food properly before eating.
°Store food and water in a properly covered container.
°Dispose refuse into covered dustbin
°Keep your houses and environment clean always.
°Wash your hands with running water always.

Also Avoid self medication.

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms,go to the nearest health centre immediately.

NOTE >>Early detection saves life.

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