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LASSA FEVER  

 

The origin of Lassa fever can be traced back to the natural reservoir host, the mastomys rat, which carries the virus without showing any symptoms of the disease. The virus can be spread to humans when they come into contact with contaminated food or objects, or through exposure to infected rodents. The first known case of Lassa fever was reported in a missionary nurse in Nigeria in 1969, leading to the discovery of the virus and subsequent outbreaks in the region.
Since its discovery, Lassa fever has remained a significant public health concern in West Africa, with sporadic outbreaks occurring in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other neighboring countries. The disease is often under-diagnosed and can present with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, and weakness, making challenging to distinguish from other common illnesses.

Causes

The Lassa virus is a single-stranded RNA irus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. The natural reservoir of the virus is the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), vhich is commonly found in WestAfrica. Humans can become infected with the Lassa vius through direct or indirect Contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected Rodents. In addition, human-to-human transmissioncan DcCur throughcontact with the blood, bodily fluids, or tisSues of infected individuals

Transmission

Lassa fever is primarily the inhalation of transmitted through aerosolzed particles of rodent excreta or through direct contact with contaminated materiais. Healthcare workers are at a high risk of infection due to exposure to infected patients blood and body fluids. Moreover, the Consumption of food contaminated with rodent excreta or urine can also lead to human infection. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to child during chiidbirth or breast-feeding.

Symptoms

The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from 6 to 21 days, The ínitial symptoms are non-specific and ínclude:


    1. fever
    2. headache
    3. Sore throat
    4. muscle aches
    5. and general malaise.

    As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms such as:

    1. vomiting
    2. dlarrhea
    3. abdominal pain
    4. respiratory distress and bleeding from
    5. mucous membranes.

    In severe cases, Lassa fever can lead to multiorgan failure and death.

    Treatment

    Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managding Lassa fever. Antiviral medications such as ribavirin have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of the disease and impraving survival rates, Supportive care, including fluid replacement pain management and treatment of complications, is also essential in the management of Lassa fevar casos,


     PREVENTIVE MEASURES

    Prevention measures include avoiding contact with rodents, practicing good hygiene, and storing food in rodent-proof containers. Treatment typically involves supportive care and antiviral medications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving the chances of recovery.

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