Be Careful: Lassa Fever Resurfaces In Nigeria
Update for January 2020:
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared an outbreak of Lassa Fever in seven states with 14 deaths confirmed so far in 2020. Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states appear to have the majority of the 82 confirmed infections recorded so far. The NCDC has issued the National Guidelines Lassa Fever case Management for medics and healthcare workers to follow here – download PDF.
What Is Lassa Fever?
It is an acute and often fatal viral disease often acquired from infected rats. If infected, early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival outcomes.
How Is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
- Exposure to urine or faeces of infected rats
- Direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of an infected person
- Through contaminated medical equipment, such as re-used needles
- By sexual intercourse
What Are The Symptoms Of Lassa Fever?
- Fever and general weakness
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle and chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting &diarrhea
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tracts
- Low blood pressure
In advanced cases:
- Shock, seizures and tremors
- Disorientation and coma
Advice from Hygeia HMO
- Clean your home, shops and offices thoroughly
- Dispose refuse appropriately and far from your home
- Store food in rodent proof containers
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids of infected persons
- Health care workers should always apply standard infection precautions when caring for patients
To report any case of suspected Lassa Fever, please contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health using the following numbers: 08093810105, 08163215251, 08031571667 and 08135050005.
As always, you can reach us at any time of the day on hycare@hygeiahmo.com and 0700 494342 466
