HEALTH: LASSA FEVER OUTBREAK AND PREVENTION

By: Faith Olanrewaju Ayo

Lassa Fever, A deadly disease transmitted by multimammte rat has caused fatalities in the last few days.

Recently, Plateau state in Nigeria has positive causes and outbreak in some Local government areas. Other states such as Taraba, Ebonyi, Ondo, Bauchi, Benue, Nasarawa and Edo are not left out.

This disease characterized by vomitting, headache, fever, muscle pain and bleeding from the mouth and Gastrointestinal tract.

Once you come in contact with the urine and feaces of an infected Rat, you are likely going to be infected with disease.
Also, it can be transmitted from person to person.

Ways to control and prevent spread is to
1. Pest control
2. Proper washing of your fruits and vegatables sold in the market
3. Proper storage of food materials such as rice, beans etc
4. Proper disposal of refuse
5. Washing your hands properly before eating.

There are no vaccines to prevent LASSA fever. Quick identification of those infected and isolation to prevent further spread of this disease will help.