Lassa Fever Transmission, Prevention, Treatment and Vaccine

LASSA FEVER

LASSA FEVER TRANSMISSION

1. Lassa virus is typically transmitted by the urine or feces of Mastomys rats to humans. Health workers may be infected by direct contact with blood, body fluids, urine, or stool of a patient with Lassa fever.

2. Mastomys rats to human transmission primarily through food or items contaminated with rat faeces or urine.

3. Human-to-human transmission from direct contact with body fluids, blood and secretions of infected individuals

LASSA FEVER PREVENTION

Lassa Fever can be prevented by taking the following actions.

1. Do not touch or eat rats.

2. Always cover your food and water.

3. Always keep your home and surroundings clean.

4. Always wash your hands before and after eating.

5. Block all rats hideouts.

6. Cook all foods thoroughly.

7. Store foods in rodents proof containers.

Report anyone with the signs and symptoms of Lassa Fever to your community health worker or call 4455.

LASSA FEVER TREATMENT

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa Fever can be treated using antiviral drug ribavirin. This is effective only, when given early in the course of clinical illness.

Meanwhile, there is no substantive evidence to back the role of ribavirin as post-exposure prophylactic treatment for Lassa Fever.

LASSA FEVER VACCINE

World Health Organization (WHO) has explained that, currently, there is no known vaccine that protects and prevents persons against Lassa Fever.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh