A Cry for Concern as Lassa Fever’s Death Toll hits 102 in Nigeria

The Lassa virus (family Arenaviridae, genus Arenavirus) causes Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever. Lassa fever is endemic in the area, stretching from parts of Sierra Leone to Liberia and predominantly Nigeria.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised the alarm over cases of Lassa Fever, which has so far claimed 102 lives in the country from a cumulative report from 2021 and recorded 2 more deaths in Benue state just two weeks into 2022.

According to NCDC in its latest advisory, there have been 4,632 cases of Lassa fever in the 36 states of the country. The NCDC described Lassa Fever as one of the country’s greatest public health challenges, besides the COVID-19 virus and its variant.

The states affected include Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Enugu, Nasarawa, Kogi, FCT, Cross River, Imo, Anambra, Delta and Abia. While, Edo, Ondo and Bauchi account for 84 per cent of all the cases.

NCDC advised Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the virus by avoiding rats and rodent habitats, as they play an important role in spreading the virus to humans.

What you need to know about Lassa fever in Nigeria

Lassa fever was first discovered in 1969 in Nigeria following the death of two missionary nurses in Borno State. The disease has been prevalent in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Ghana since 1969.

The virus is spread via contact with faeces and urine of infected rodents (Mastomys natalensis) or through food and household items.    

The virus spreads from one person to another through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

How do you contract this disease?

Contracting the virus primarily occurs when you ingest or inhale infected rats’ urine, faeces, saliva, or blood.

The virus also spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, blood, or excretions. 

This means a person can contract it via an infected person’s blood, urine, faeces or semen.

A person who lives or works around infected people is at risk. This includes healthcare workers, burial workers and relatives that come into contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lassa Fever?

The incubation period for Lassa fever ranges from five to 21 days but is usually eight to 10 days. Most infections are mild and include fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and backache.

Some patients may develop a rash during recovery. However, others will experience severe cases. Severe cases can include blood in urine or stool and abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhoea that lead to dehydration and shock.

Multi-organ failure can lead to death within two weeks after the onset of symptoms.

Deafness is the most common complication. Approximately one-third of infections result in deafness and irreversible hearing loss.

Lassa Fever Diagnosis

To diagnose Lassa fever, enzyme-linked immunosorbent serological tests (ELISA) are performed, which detect both IgM and IgG antibodies, as well as the Lassa antigen. 

An RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test can be utilized in the early stages of the disease. In a highly contained laboratory, appropriate scientific techniques must be used to cultivate the virus within 7 to 10 days.

To determine postmortem diagnosis, lab specialists may use immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed tissues.

Is there any treatment for this disease?

Antiviral medications, such as ribavirin, are effective in treating patients who suffer from this disease. 

It is most effective when taken early in the illness.

Patients who are suffering from any comorbid infection should receive supportive therapy, which includes maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, oxygenation, and blood pressure. 

The immediate isolation of anyone suspected of having a hemorrhagic fever is necessary. 

How can I protect myself from contracting this disease?

• It is imperative to maintain proper hygiene at home and in the community to avoid contracting the disease.
• Store food and grains in rodent-proof containers.
• Get rid of garbage away from your home and anything that can attract rodents.
• Maintain your home by fumigating regularly.
• The best way to prevent Lassa fever is to educate people about ways to reduce rodent populations in high-risk areas.
• The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) emphasizes the importance of wearing personal protective equipment when working with patients with known diagnoses, such as masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection.