A year after the war against the Ebola virus, the media sphere
is buzzing with recent news of the Lassa fever epidemic and its official death
toll of 41 Nigerians. Our federal government has assured citizens of its
commitment to containing and eventually wiping out the illness, earmarking a
substantial sum of N140 million for this purpose.
Affected states in Nigeria as of date include Bauchi, Nasarawa,
Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo.
Important facts about Lassa
fever include:
1.
Definition: Lassa fever is an
acute viral disease caused by the Lassa virus which belongs to the arenavirus
virus family.
2.
Origin: It was first
discovered in Nigeria in 1969 after the unexpected death of two missionary
nurses.
3.
Location: The disease is
primarily predominant in West Africa – Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and
Nigeria.
4.
Animal host: The multimammate
rodent species is the only known carrier of the virus, and it is mostly found
in West Africa.
5.
Number of deaths: Approximately
5,000 deaths have occurred in the region because of the disease with
approximately 100,000 to 300,000 infections.
6.
How humans are infected: This
takes place through various means including contact with multimammate rodent
excretions (urine and droppings) or food items containing them, inhaling
particles in the air with these excretions and thirdly, the consumption of
rodent meat.
7.
Symptoms: These usually become
visible 1-3 weeks after infection. They include yellowing of eyes, vomiting,
headaches, etc.
8.
Treatment: The disease is
treatable with the antiviral drug, Ribavrin, which is considered most effective
when given at the early stages of the disease infection.
9.
Prevention: Homes should be
thoroughly fumigated and food items covered to prevent contamination. Eating of
rodent meat (as bush meat) should also be prohibited.
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Source: Centre
for Disease Control and Prevention
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