Can you recover from Lassa fever?
The overall case-fatality rate is 1%. Observed case-fatality rate among patients hospitalized with severe cases of Lassa fever is 15%. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
What are the common symptoms of Lassa fever?
What are Lassa fever symptoms and signs?
- fever,
- malaise,
- generalized weakness,
- sore throat (very similar to strep throat and without runny nose),
- severe headache,
- chest pain (especially behind the breastbone),
- back pain,
- ringing ears,
What are the prevention of Lassa fever?
Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes.
Where is Lassa fever found?
Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness. It is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.
How is Lassa fever diagnosed?
Lassa fever is most often diagnosed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA), which detect IgM and IgG antibodies as well as Lassa antigen. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used in the early stage of disease.
How do you control Lassa virus?
Prevention. Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes.
What is the mortality rate of the Lassa virus?
Approximately 15%-20% of patients hospitalized for Lassa fever die from the illness. However, only 1% of all Lassa virus infections result in death. The death rates for women in the third trimester of pregnancy are particularly high.
Do all rats carry Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a viral infection carried by the multimammate rat Mastomys natalensis (M. natalensis). This is one of the most common rodents in equatorial Africa, found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Lassa fever mainly occurs in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
Is Lassa fever fatal?
Diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. The overall case-fatality rate is 1%. Among patients who are hospitalized with severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case-fatality is estimated at around 15%.
Which is the best treatment for Lassa fever?
The antiviral drug ribavirin seems to be an effective treatment for Lassa fever if given early on in the course of clinical illness. There is no evidence to support the role of ribavirin as post-exposure prophylactic treatment for Lassa fever.
How do you treat Lassa fever in cats?
This can be done by adopting a cat to hunt the rats and keeping the food stored in sealed containers. Treatment of Lassa fever consists of addressing the patient’s dehydration and trying to alleviate the symptoms. Antiviral medications, such as ribavirin is beneficial when given in early stages.
How long does Lassa fever last in Africa?
It is an acute febrile viral illness lasting one to four weeks, and it occurs in West Africa and some areas beyond. Ribavirin is an antiviral drug. It is used in combination with interferon for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
When do you start to show symptoms of Lassa fever?
Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur 1-3 weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus.
Is Lassa fever caused by virus or bacteria?
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus (LASV), which is endemic throughout much of West Africa. The virus primarily circulates in the Mastomys natalensis reservoir and is transmitted to humans through contact with infectious rodents or their secretions; human-to-human transmission is documented as well.
Is Lassa fever dangerous?
Lassa fever is one of a number of illnesses which can cause dangerous epidemics, but for which no vaccine currently exists. Lassa fever is not a new disease, but the current outbreak is unprecedented, spreading faster and further than ever before. Health workers are overstretched, and a number have themselves become infected and died.
What does Lassa fever mean?
Lassa Fever Definition. A highly fatal form of epidemic hemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus . Lassa fever may be characterized by high fever, sore throat, severe muscle aches, skin rash with hemorrhages, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lassa fever is an acute contagious viral disease of central western Africa.