Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
*Causes:
- Contact with urine or feces of infected rodents (e.g., Mastomys natalensis)
- Ingesting contaminated food or water
- Direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids
- Medical procedures with contaminated equipment.
Presenter:
* Symptoms and Signs:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from mouth, nose, or gums (in severe cases)
*Severe Symptoms:
- Respiratory distress
- Shock
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Hepatitis
*Cure:
- Early diagnosis and treatment with antiviral medication (Ribavirin)
- Supportive care (fluids, oxygen, pain management)
- Hospitalization for severe cases
*Prevention:
- Store food in rodent-proof containers
- Keep homes clean and rodent-free
- Avoid contact with rodents or their droppings
- Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when handling potentially contaminated materials
- Practice good hygiene (frequent handwashing)
- Vaccination (under development)
Remember Prevention is Better than Cure.
- Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa (Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea)
- Outbreaks occur frequently during the dry season
- Mortality rate: 1-50% (depending on severity and treatment)
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