According to Channels TV, sixteen people have died from an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ondo State. The State Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Fagbemi disclosed this on Tuesday at the Government House in Akure. This fresh outbreak is why we must sensitize the populace on Lassa fever symptoms.
Dr. Fagbemi made the disclosure while briefing Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; and the local government chairmen from Ondo North and Central senatorial districts of the state. He also revealed that officers had reported 84 cases so far in the state since January 1, 2020. According to the epidemiologist, 16 of the patients have passed on; as their cases had reached the advanced stage before they got to the hospital. He added that 47 patients on admission were in recovery, while 21 others were already treated and discharged.
The outbreak reportedly affected Owo, Akoko South-West, Akure South, and Ondo West Local Government Areas of the state. Also confirming the outbreak, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro noted that the disease has occurred in the state for some years; especially during the dry season. So, he advised Nigerians to visit hospitals when they noticed lassa fever symptoms.
Earlier, Governor Akeredolu advised the local government chairmen in the state. He told them to deploy cleaners to markets and public places to prevent the outbreak of diseases. He also called on residents to maintain a high level of hygiene; to curtail further spread of the Lassa virus in the state.
What Is Lassa Fever And What Are Lassa Fever Symptoms?
The CDC defines Lassa fever as an animal-borne, acute viral illness. It is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The animal vector for the Lassa virus is the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis). Locally, it's called the "asin" in Yoruba, and you'll find it all over these regions.
The illness is named after the town in Nigeria where it was first discovered in 1969.
Some key facts about Lassa Fever according to World Health Organization:
- Lassa fever is a serious viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration.
- The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items that are contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.
- Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission sometimes happen; particularly in hospitals where there's inadequate infection prevention and control measures.
- Approximately 15%-20% of patients hospitalized for Lassa fever die from the illness. However, only 1% of all Lassa virus infections result in death.
- When patients have early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment, it improves their chances of survival.
Lassa Fever Symptoms And Signs
Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur 1-3 weeks after the patient comes in contact with the virus. For most Lassa fever infections (approximately 80%), the symptoms are mild and undiagnosed. Mild symptoms include:
- slight fever
- general malaise and weakness
- headache
But in 20% of infected people, the disease may progress to more serious symptoms like bleeding in the gums, eyes, or nose. Also, it may cause:
- respiratory distress
- repeated vomiting
- facial swelling
- pain in the chest, back, and abdomen
- shock
There have also been cases of neurological problems, including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis. Due to multi-organ failure, the patient may die within two weeks from the day the Lassa fever symptoms manifest.
The most common complication of Lassa fever is deafness. There are various degrees of deafness in about a third of the infections. And sometimes the deafness becomes permanent. Interestingly, deafness occurs whether the Lassa fever symptoms are mild or severe.
If you're a pregnant woman in the third trimester infected with Lassa fever, note that the death rates are high. And the disease causes spontaneous abortion.
Because Lassa fever symptoms are so varied and nonspecific, doctors sometimes have a hard time diagnosing it. And Lassa fever often manifests as an epidemic. During these epidemics, the fatality rate rises as high as 50% with patients in the hospital.
How Is Lassa Fever Treated?
Doctors use Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, to treat Lassa Fever. And the good news is there's been tremendous success with Ribavin in Lassa fever patients. It is highly successful and effective when the patient takes it in the early stages of the illness. Patients also need supportive care. This involves maintaining their fluid and electrolyte balance; maintaining their oxygen and blood pressure, and treating other complications. As with most illnesses, early detection will help save life.
How To Prevent Infection
- The main way to avoid infection of the Lassa virus is to stay away from the Mastomys rats, locally known as asin. Make sure they are not in your homes or surrounding environment.
- Put your food away in rodent-proof containers and keep your home clean. It will discourage the rats from coming around.
- Some people eat these rodents as bush meat but it is not advisable.
- If you're caring for a Lassa fever patient, be careful to use masks, gloves, gowns and goggles. Make sure you sterilize all equipment, and isolate the patient until the disease is cured.
- Educate people in high-risk areas about ways to decrease rodent populations in their homes.
CDC W.H.O.
Also read: Everything You Should Know About Dengue Fever: Causes, Prevention And Treatment
