What you need to know about lassa fever.
Knowledge is very important, read it and share it. Prevention is better than cure.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The virus is a member of the arena virus family of viruses. The disease is an endemic that is common in the rodent/rat population of West Africa.

Mode of transmission
Humans can be infected if they come in contact with the feces or urine of mastomy rats.
People fall ill by inhaling air contaminated with aerosols of rodents/rats excretions or using contaminated household items.

Symptoms of Lassa fever
Fever, malaise, general weakness, sore throat, severe headaches, chest pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea etc. The symptoms start mildly and progress gradually that is why early detection is important.

Incubation period
The incubation period could be between 6 days to 3 weeks.

Prevention of Lassa fever
Personal and environmental hygiene is very important and cannot be overemphasized.
Basic hand washing
De-rat your house. If you have noticed that this rodents have taken up accommodation in your house. Please ensure that you exterminate them either by using chemicals or setting traps etc. Remember to wash your hand properly after disposing.
Store your food properly. Keep your food in containers that the rats cannot get to.
Do not be careless, if you notice certain symptoms don’t assume its malaria and can be treated over the counter. Go to the hospital and have a proper checkup early detection will save you and your loved ones.
OUR HEALTH IS OUR WEALTH.
BE HEALTH CONSCIOUS.