Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that occurs in west Africa.
For the majority of Lassa fever virus infections, symptoms are mild and are undiagnosed. However, disease may progress to more serious symptoms including:
- hemorrhaging (in gums, eyes, or nose, as examples)
- respiratory distress
- repeated vomiting
- facial swelling
- pain in the chest, back, and abdomen
- shock
Neurological problems have also been described, including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis.
Transmission
The reservoir, or host, of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the "multimammate rat". Transmission of Lassa virus to humans occurs most commonly through ingestion or inhalation. Mastomys rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings and direct contact with these materials, through touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food, or exposure to open cuts or sores, can lead to infection.
The reservoir, or host, of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the "multimammate rat". Transmission of Lassa virus to humans occurs most commonly through ingestion or inhalation. Mastomys rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings and direct contact with these materials, through touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food, or exposure to open cuts or sores, can lead to infection.
Contact with the virus may also occur when a person inhales tiny particles in the air contaminated with infected rodent excretions. This aerosol or airborne transmission may occur during cleaning activities, such as sweeping.
Person-to-person transmission may occur after exposure to virus in the blood, tissue, secretions, or excretions of a Lassa virus-infected individual.
Incubation period can range from 1-3 weeks. Isolation Precautions
Standard, droplet, and contact precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.
Single-patient rooms are also preferred.
Prevention for Patients
Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur.
Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur.
- Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes
- Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended
- Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent populations (however, the wide distribution of Mastomys in Africa makes complete control of this rodent reservoir impractical)
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