Recently, three people suffering from Lassa fever died in Britain. These cases have been linked to travel to West African countries.
Lassa fever- Today Current Affairs
The virus that causes Lassa fever is found in West Africa and was first discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria.
This fever is transmitted by rats and is found mainly in countries in West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria, where it (Lassa fever) is endemic.
Matomys mice have the ability to spread the deadly Lassa virus.
Spreading: The Hindu Analysis
A person can become infected when he comes in contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or feces of an infected rat (zoonotic disease).
It can sometimes be spread from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids or mucous membranes such as eyes, nose or mouth.
Person-to-person transmission is high in the healthcare landscape.
Symptoms: The Hindu Analysis
Its common symptoms include mild fever, fatigue, weakness and headache.
Severe symptoms include bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, swelling of the face and pain in the chest, back and abdomen.
The patient may die within two weeks of the onset of symptoms, usually as a result of multi-organ failure.
Treatment: The Hindu Analysis
The antiviral drug ‘Ribavirin’ appears to be an effective treatment for Lassa fever, but should be given immediately in case of illness.
Here we mention all information about Lassa fever Today Current Affairs.
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