Lassa Fever-symptoms, Cause, Prevention,Treatment & States recorded

The affected states are
Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano,
Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, uyo and Oyo.

After an incubation period of six to 21
days,

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
an acute illness with multiorgan involvement develops. Nonspecific symptoms include fever , facial swelling, and muscle fatigue, as well as conjunctivitis and mucosal bleeding.
The other symptoms arising from the
affected organs are:
Gastrointestinal tract
Nausea
Vomiting (bloody)
Diarrhea (bloody)
Stomach ache
Constipation
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Hepatitis
Cardiovascular system
Pericarditis
Hypertension
Hypotension
Tachycardia (abnormally high heart
rate)
Respiratory tract
Cough
Chest pain
Dyspnoea
Pharyngitis
Pleuritis
Nervous system
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Unilateral or bilateral hearing deficit
Seizures

CAUSE

Lassa virus is zoonotic (transmitted from
animals), in that it spreads to humans from rodents , specifically multimammate mice ( Mastomys natalensis). This is probably
the most common mouse in equatorial
Africa, ubiquitous in human households and eaten as a delicacy in some areas. In
these rodents , infection is in a persistent
asymptomatic state. The virus is shed in
their excreta (urine and feces), which can be aerosolized. In fatal cases, Lassa fever is characterized by impaired or delayed cellular immunity leading to fulminant viremia.
Infection in humans typically occurs by
exposure to animal excrement through the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts.
Inhalation of tiny particles of infectious
material (aerosol) is believed to be the most significant means of exposure. It is possible to acquire the infection through broken skin or mucous membranes that are directly exposed to infectious material.
Transmission from person to person has
also been established, presenting a disease risk for healthcare workers. Frequency of
transmission by sexual contact has not
been established.



PREVENTION


Control of the Mastomys rodent population is impractical, so measures are limited to keeping rodents out of homes and food supplies, as well as maintaining effective personal hygiene. Gloves, masks, laboratory coats, and goggles are advised while in contact with an infected person. These issues in many countries are monitored by a department of public health . In less developed countries, these types of
organizations may not have the necessary means to effectively control outbreaks. Researchers at the USAMRIID facility, where military biologists study infectious diseases, have a promising vaccine candidate. They have developed a replication -competent vaccine against Lassa virus based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vectors expressing the Lassa virus glycoprotein. After a single intramuscular injection , test primates have survived lethal challenge, while showing no clinical
symptoms.


TREATMENT

Early and aggressive treatment using
ribavirin was pioneered by Joe McCormick in 1979. After extensive testing, early administration was determined to be critical to success. Additionally, ribavirin is almost
twice as effective when given intravenously as when taken by mouth.  Ribavirin is a prodrug which appears to interfere with viral replication by inhibiting RNA-dependent nucleic acid synthesis , although the precise
mechanism of action is disputed. [15] The drug is relatively inexpensive, but the cost of the drug is still very high for many of those in West African states. Fluid replacement, blood transfusion, and fighting hypotension are usually required. Intravenous interferon
therapy has also been advised.

CREDIT: Wikipedia