What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is spread by a rat called Mastomysnatalensis. Found in parts of West Africa, according to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lassa fever can be fatal. This viral disease is considered endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria.
Also present in other West African countries. The overall fertility rate is 1 percent. In severe cases of Lassa fever, the observed mortality rate among hospitalized patients is 15%. The first case of Lassa fever was reported in 1969. This disease is named after Nigeria. Where the diagnosis was first made.
What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?
This disease begins with symptoms such as fever, general weakness and malaise. After a few days, other symptoms may appear, including headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and stomach pain. . In severe cases, individuals may experience facial swelling, fluid buildup in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina, or gastrointestinal tract, and low blood pressure.
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The incubation period for this disease ranges from 6 to 21 days, with symptoms usually appearing 1 to 3 weeks after infection. In fatal cases, death often occurs within 14 days of the onset of symptoms. The disease is particularly serious at the end of pregnancy, with maternal death and/or fetal loss occurring in more than 80% of cases during the third trimester.
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What is its treatment?
According to the WHO report, there is currently no treatment for this disease. But several potential treatments are under development.
Disclaimer: Some information provided in news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you should consult the relevant expert.
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