Recognize and Treat Lassa Fever

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.

Steps

  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).
  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.

Tips

  • 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.

Warnings

  • Deafness is the most common complication of Lassa fever. Spontaneous abortion is another serious complication.

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Sources and Citations

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