In this article, we talk about Lassa fever, how it is transmitted, and also symptoms to look out for.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat.
It is currently endemic in parts of West Africa including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
It is reported that neighboring countries as also at risk.
How Is Lassa Fever Transmitted
According to WHO, humans can contract Lassa fever from eating food that has been tainted by the urine or feces of rodents specifically bats.
The virus can also be spread through contact with the body fluids of a sick person, but it does not spread easily between humans.
Lassa Fever Symptoms
According to WHO, symptoms of Lassa fever may include fever, general weakness, and malaise.
After a few days, there may be headaches, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain.
Also in most cases facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina, or gastrointestinal tract, and low blood pressure.
Source: OccupyGh.com
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