The lassa fever It is a rare disease similar to Ebola, since it has very similar symptoms, but what exactly is this disease? Here we tell you what it is, how it is spread and what its diagnosis is.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a disease caused by Lassa Virus and it is an endemic virus, that is, it is an inhabitant of a specific territory; Lassa Virus is found in some regions of West Africa.
The virus is transmitted mainly by rodents, especially by contact with urine and fecal waste from these animals.
Lassa virus was first discovered in the 1950s and presumably first appeared in the Lassa region of Nigeria, hence its characteristic name.
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How is Lassa virus spread?
Unlike Ebola, the Lassa virus is not spread through casual contact between people, but is spread through contact with body fluids such as sweat, saliva, urine, blood or vomit.
Likewise, there is a risk of contagion if the virus is found in the same area where the host is, such as hospitals, laboratories or clinics; That is why it is repeatedly recommended in hospitals to maintain adequate measures regarding infection control.
What are the symptoms of Lassa fever and what is its diagnosis?
Identifying the symptoms of Lassa virus is relatively easy, since its symptoms are evident and present with fever, vomiting and severe painHowever, the vast majority usually present these symptoms in a mild manner; In severe cases, the virus manifests itself through hemorrhages, shock, and cerebral edema.
The diagnosis can be confirmed byl blood and urine analysis which should only be carried out by professionals in viral issues and in clinical laboratories.
Lassa virus presents a low risk of spread, however, There is still no vaccine against this disease.so to prevent it it is important to take extreme precautions.
Prevention.
To prevent transmission of the virus, it is recommended to avoid contact with food, water and environment where it is presumed to be infected.
If you plan a trip to countries located in the West African region, it is advisable to have all the vaccines required to avoid contagion of the virus.
Recently it is believed that an American traveler died from this disease and the Iowa Department of Health is investigating the alleged case of the infected person; The analyzes carried out on the patient resulted in a Lassa virus infection and tests are being planned to confirm the case.
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Mbanefo, Infectious Disease Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Mbanefo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. With recent discussions in global health circles about Lassa fever, can you start by explaining what Lassa fever is and where it originates?
Dr. Mbanefo: Thank you for having me! Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic to certain regions of West Africa, particularly Nigeria. The virus was first identified in the 1950s, named after the Lassa region where it was discovered. Unlike other viruses, this one highlights the importance of local ecosystems as it primarily resides in rodent populations.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! What makes Lassa fever particularly concerning compared to other viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola?
Dr. Mbanefo: That’s a great question. While both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers with somewhat similar symptoms—such as fever, fatigue, and bleeding—Lassa fever has a different transmission method. Lassa virus is mainly spread through rodents, specifically through their urine and feces. Human-to-human transmission is much less common and typically requires contact with body fluids, unlike Ebola, which can be transmitted through casual contact.
Time.news Editor: I see. So if the rodent population is a key factor, what preventive measures should communities be adopting to limit the spread of Lassa virus?
Dr. Mbanefo: Communities need to focus on improving sanitation and hygiene in their environments. This includes proper food storage to deter rodents and ensuring that homes are rodent-proofed. Additionally, health facilities should implement strict infection control measures to prevent any potential outbreaks, especially in clinical settings, as contaminated surfaces and fluids can pose significant risks.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned symptoms earlier. Can you elaborate on how symptoms manifest in infected individuals?
Dr. Mbanefo: Certainly. Symptoms of Lassa fever typically begin with general gastrointestinal discomfort, including fever, weakness, and malaise. They can progress to more severe manifestations like bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other orifices in advanced cases. It’s essential to recognize these symptoms early, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Time.news Editor: What diagnostic methods are currently employed in identifying Lassa fever in patients?
Dr. Mbanefo: Diagnosis usually involves laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the Lassa virus in blood samples. It’s a critical step because the symptoms can be similar to those of other febrile illnesses, including malaria and Ebola. Rapid and precise diagnostics are essential, especially in endemic areas, to initiate treatment as soon as possible.
Time.news Editor: Given the ongoing global health challenges, how important is awareness and education around diseases like Lassa fever?
Dr. Mbanefo: Awareness and education are paramount. People need to understand the risks associated with Lassa fever and the importance of maintaining hygienic practices, especially in regions where the virus is present. Furthermore, public health campaigns can help reduce stigma surrounding the disease and encourage individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mbanefo, for shedding light on Lassa fever and its implications. It’s crucial that the public stays informed about not just Lassa fever, but also how such diseases can impact global health.
Dr. Mbanefo: Thank you for having me. Educating the public on such health issues is indeed a vital step towards prevention and control, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! We hope to continue this dialogue as awareness grows. Thank you again for your insights!