Some where is Africa, Nigeria precisely there is an impending danger of an outbreak of Lassa fever.
This post is to create awareness so we would be found wanting.
WHAT IS LASSA FEVER
Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF), is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus.
Many of those infected by the virus do not develop symptoms.
When symptoms occur they typically include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains.
Less commonly there may be bleeding from the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
The risk of death once infected is about one percent and frequently occurs within two weeks of the onset of symptoms. Among those who survive about a quarter have deafness which improves over time in about half
In 80% of cases, the disease is asymptomatic, but in the remaining 20%, it takes a complicated course. The virus is estimated to be responsible for about 5,000 deaths annually. The fever accounts for up to one-third of deaths in hospitals within the affected regions and 10 to 16% of total cases.[5]
After an incubation period of six to 21 days, an acute illness with multiorgan 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)
Stomach ache
Constipation
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Hepatitis
Cardiovascular system
Pericarditis
Hypertension
Hypotension
Tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate)
Respiratory tract
Cough
Chest pain
Dyspnoea
Pharyngitis
Pleuritis
Nervous system
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Unilateral or bilateral hearing deficit
Seizures
Clinically, Lassa fever infections are difficult to distinguish from other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg, and from more common febrile illnesses such as malaria.
The virus is excreted in urine for 3–9 weeks and in semen for three months.
Prevention is better than cure.
Let's be guarded!
Stop the spread.
Gptins
