Lassa Fever Now In Owerri - Imo State

The disease has reportedly spread to Imo State with four persons said to be receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

A doctor at the FMC Owerri, who spoke to one of our correspondents on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that four people were being treated.

He, however, warned the people living in Imo state to avoid hugging or shaking hands with people while exchanging pleasantries.
According to him, the virus that causes the fever may be incubating in a person’s body without the person being aware of it.
He pointed out that rats were the major vectors of the disease, pointing out that it could also be transmitted from person to person.READ ALSO: BREAKING! Lassa Fever Kills Doctor In Port-Harcourt

According to him, the disease has similar symptoms with those of malaria, typhoid fever and other common diseases in the country.
When contacted on the issue, the Imo State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Hyacinth Emele, said they had suspicions that a mother and her baby brought to the FMC Owerri, on Friday, may have contracted the disease.
Emele said their blood samples had been taken to Edo State for testing. He said if their blood samples tested positive for Lassa fever, the authorities would be informed.
According to him, anyone suspected to have had contact with the infected persons would be isolated for 21 days to determine whether they are carriers or not.

How to recognize and treat Lassa Fever

Prevention is always the best form of cure...to prevent this deadly illness, the very first step is to kill all the rats in your area!
Then avoid hugging and shaking of hands as much as possible.
Maintain high level of Hygiene.
Use hand sanitizers and remember to always wash your hands.
Lassa Fever can be contracted same way as Ebola only that this time rats are now involved.
Lassa Fever is as Deadly as Ebola.

Lassa fever is a sudden onset viral illness that occurs in West Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans via objects and food contaminated with the virus, or direct contact with the feces and urine of an infected rat. It can also be transmitted person-to-person through contact with secretions and excretions of someone who is infected. The following will help you to recognize the symptoms of Lassa fever, and understand how it is treated.

1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever. Look for:
Fever.
Pain behind the chest wall (retrosternal pain).
Sore throat.
Diarrhea.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Back pain.
Swelling of the face.
Protein in the urine.
Mucosal bleeding (nose, mouth, lungs, and digestive tract).
Cough.
Stomach pain.
Vomiting.
Hearing loss.
Tremors.
Encephalitis (infection/inflammation of the brain).

READ ALSO: Lassa Fever: Health Officers To De-Rats In Lagos's Markets

2. Be aware that signs and symptoms of the fever generally appear 1-3 weeks after contact with the virus.

3. Know that the treatment for the fever consists of an antiviral drug, Ribavirin. Those with the fever should also receive care consisting of maintaining appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance, oxygenation and blood pressure, and treatment of other infections that can occur. Research is under way to develop a vaccine for the illness.

4. Individuals at risk include those who live or visit areas with a high population of rodents infected with Lassa virus or who are exposed to infected humans. This can include:
Researchers and Physicians.
Missionaries.
Travelers who stay for an extended amount of time in an area where the infection is prevalent.
Contact with the virus also may occur when a person inhales particles in the air contaminated with rodent excretions.

5. Anybody that suddenly stops hearing properly may also have contracted it...so when you notice such, run far off and call in the medic.

6. TREATMENT IS FREE...so report the case very very early.

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