Lassa Fever Outbreak|| What you can do to protect yourself, family and friends

In a country as porous as Nigeria, personal health is of the utmost importance and can’t be left to chance or the government . Lassa fever of late has become one of the nations fastest growing cause of death. With symptoms that liken malaria and can easily be looked away from, it is growing and sparing no one in its path. Just this past week, there have been disturbing news in the media outlets of the outbreak of Lassa fever.
In this post, you’ll find important information on how you can stay safe and protect those you love.

What is Lassa fever and how does the disease come about??

Lassa fever is one of the most common yet viral illnesses in Nigeria and even parts of west Africa. It is primarily caused by the Lassa virus. This virus is carried by the multimammate rat, a particular type of rat.

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It is important to note that not all rats carry the Lassa fever. This rat is a close relation to the house rats and mice and like it’s name sounds it’s a multibreasted rat and this is one of the best ways to identify it.

How does one contact Lassa fever??

Lassa fever like earlier stated is carried and spread by the multimammate rat. How??

• Through contact with the infected rat by eating or drinking water contaminated with rat urine or droppings.

• Rats urinate or defecate on food, cooking surfaces, or utensils

• You touch surfaces contaminated with rat waste and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes

Lassa fever can also be spread through direct contact with fluids from the body of an infected person. Fluids like : Blood, Feces , urine, Saliva, etc.

Food grains like rice, beans, and the like if contaminated can be strong agents of transmission.

Signs and symptoms of possible Lassa fever infection:

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It’s been said that symptoms of Lassa fever are similar to that of malaria and typhoid. This is why early detection is essential. Signs to watch out for are fever, headache, chest pain, sore throat, cough, diarrhea and many more. In progressive stage, there is bleeding from the nose, mouth or

Prevention method

If detected early, Lassa fever isn’t fatal and can be treated properly.

• Store all food in a sealed airtight container.

• For the time being, avoid drying food outside so they won’t be contaminated by these rodents.

• Make sure to keep your house and surrounding environment clean.

• Throw away refuse promptly and at the right place

• Incase you notice symptoms, seek medical help fast.

Lastly, lasso fever isn’t fatal or life threatening if detected and treated early, Stay safe.