City Crawler Information: Lassa Fever Outbreak

‎​City Crawler has been alerted to the confirmed outbreak of Lassa fever in some states of the federation; some people have been confirmed dead and several others infected. Lassa fever is an acute viral infection associated with persistent high fever. People at greater risk are those in areas of poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. 

And that cases have been reported in 12 states Edo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Taraba, Yobe, Ondo, Rivers, Gombe, Anambra, Delta and Lagos.

But no need to Panic, The Ministry of Health has released adequate quantities of Ribavirin injections and tablets, the specific antiviral drug for Lassa fever. Amongst other percausionary measures, Hotlines have been provided for health workers for expert advice. The numbers are: 08037154575, 08023214998, 08037879701 and 08023047101.

Be Cautious because one can get infected by eating food contaminated with rat excreta/urine deposited on surfaces such as floors, beds, household utensils or in food and water e.g. surfaces of canned drinks/foods and other stored food items). Person to person infection also occurs through direct contact or inhalation of infected body fluids including blood, urine, saliva, throat secretion, etc.

The symptoms of the disease, which are noticed between one to three weeks after being in contact with the virus include:
· Fever
· Pain behind the chest wall
· Sore throat
· Back and abdominal pain
· Cough
· Vomiting and diarrhoea
· Facial swelling and mucosal bleeding.

The antiviral drug “Ribavirin” is an effective treatment for lassa fever when given early in the course of the illness. Patients suspected to have lassa fever, or have persistent fever and do not respond to the standard treatment for malaria and typhoid, should report to the nearest hospital.
 
To prevent Lassa Fever Good Sanitary measures must be taken immediately to promote Good hygiene and prevent rodents from entering homes. Rodent Proof your house, Cook food thoroughly and make sure you check the surfaces of canned food before you consume.

Health is Wealth, You Know this, so be cautious.
N.B Hotlines are Available 24/7

Ijeoma Okeagu.

(take this seriously people so that the only time you trend on twitter or on people’s status and display pictures will be on your birthday)