Lassa Fever also known as Lassa haemorrhagic fever. Lassa fever is classified as Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) (1). Lassa Fever is caused by infection by the Lassa virus (1).
Sources of Lassa virus
Lassa virus often spreads to humans from animals such as mice that are commonly found in western African nations (1). The waste excreted by mice infected by Lassa Fever contains the Lassa virus and contact with the infected mice’s waste can cause humans to be infected (1, 3). There are currently six main Lassa virus clades (a clade is a natural grouping of an organism), the Lassa virus clades are distributed across different West African countries: clades 1–3 (Nigeria), clade 4 (Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia), clade 5 (southern Mali) and clade 6 (recently reported from Togo) (1,2).
Lasa Fever Symptoms
Lasa fever can result in cases that have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all (1). Lasa fever infection can cause the following symptoms:
fever
bleeding disorders
abdominal pain
body aches
dizziness
fatigue
headache
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, travel history, and exposure risk (1, 3). Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, throat swabs, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, and imaging studies (1,3).
Treatment
Lassa fever treatment focuses on symptom management and supportive care, including hydration, oxygen therapy, and sometimes antiviral medications (3).
Prevention
Minimizing contact with mice, practicing good hygiene as well as ensuring that food is stored, cleaned and cooked in a safe and hygienic manner (1).
References
S. Cadmus, O. J. Taiwo, V. Akinseye, E. Cadmus, G. Famokun, S. Fagbemi, R. Ansumana, A. Omoluabi, A. Ayinmode, D. Oluwayelu, S. Odemuyiwa, O.Tomori, (2023), Ecological correlates and predictors of Lassa fever incidence in Ondo State, Nigeria 2017–2021: an emerging urban trend, Scientific Reports, volume 13, Issue 20855, Article number: 20855, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47820-3
A N. Happi, T J. Olumade, O A. Ogunsanya, A E. Sijuwola, S. C. Ogunleye, J. U. Oguzie, C. Nwofoke, C. A. Ugwu, S. J. Okoro, P. I. Otuh, L. N. Ngele, O. O. Ojo, A Adelabu, R. F. Adeleye, N. E. Oyejide, C. S. Njaka, J. L. Heeney, C T. Happi, (2022), Increased Prevalence of Lassa Fever Virus-Positive Rodents and Diversity of Infected Species Found during Human Lassa Fever Epidemics in Nigeria, American Society For Microbiology, Volume 10, Issue 4 spectrum.00366-22 (asm.org)
C. Aloke, N. A. Obasi, P. M. Aja, C. U. Emelike, C. U. Emelike, C. O. Egwu, O. Jeje, C. O. Edeogu, O. O. Onisuru, O. Uche, I. Achilonu, (2023), Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives, Viruses, volume 15, issue 1 Viruses | Free Full-Text | Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives (mdpi.com)
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