Lasser Fever: Description, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Preventions.

The objective of this article is to help readers get a permanent way out of Lasser fever. 

Many have died of Lasser fever, and some escaped death because they got treatment early enough.

A RAT

What is Lasser fever?

This is an acute, viral hemorrhagic illness that is common in the western African countries, though it said to be spreading to other countries. It can be life-threatening if not addressed early enough. 

The virus causing Lasser fever is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the virus family called Arenaviridae.

About 20% of its victims have no symptoms yet the virus go-ahead to destroy vital organs of the body such as the kidneys, spleen, and liver.

The host of the virus causing Lasser fever is known as "multimammate rat”. Any contact with the object materials or food already contaminated by the urine or feces of the host can cause a person to become a victim of Lasser fever.

The world health organization reports that the overall fatality rate is around 1% whereas early care with symptomatic and re-hydration will help to improve the chances of survival of the victims.

Causes of Lasser fever.

1.    The virus causing Lasser fever is present in the feces and urine of the rodent multimammate rat, so, contact with any of these will make a person a victim of Lasser fever.

Objects around the house or environment uncovered foods and drinks can be contaminated with either the feces or urine.

2.    The virus can find its way into the human body through cuts and wounds once there is contact.

3.      Foods and drinks touched by an infected person can also result in contacting the disease for the person who consumed such foods.

4.     Breathing around the body fluids or excreta of the rat can pose a threat of contracting the virus. This is because the air may have been contaminated by small particles of the feces.

5.      Direct contact with the fluid of an infected person will make an uninfected person get infected

6.    Where a medical expert is not properly protected while giving treatment to a Lasser fever victim, such a person can become infected also.

Symptoms of Lasser fever.

Although it is widely said that there are no clear and early symptoms of Lasser fever which could help to discover it and attack it early, yet, there are situations or occurrences that help to raise a red flag.

1.      Bleeding from the nose, gums, eyes or other openings of the body.

2.      Difficulty in breathing.

3.      A swollen face.

4.      Difficulty in swallowing food

5.      Abnormal blood pressure

6.      Seizures

7.      Hepatitis

8.      Hearing loss(usually occurs at the critical stage)

9.      Pains in the abdomen, chest, and back

10.  Diarrhea

11.  Coughing.

Lasser fever victims have their organs destroyed by the virus, hence the cause of all or some of the symptoms listed.

Lasser fever patient rarely survives more than a month after these symptoms show up because its an evidence that vital organs have been destroyed, therefore, are not functioning. Yet a dose and quick attention can help to resuscitate the life of the victim.

Treatment of Lasser fever.

An article in April 2018, states that the Themis Bioscience and coalition for epidermic preparedness initiative (CEPI) are working on getting a Lasser fever virus vaccine developed through the phase II clinical trials.

Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against the Lasser fever virus, but Ribavirin has been approved to be an effective antiviral drug in attacking the virus and increasing the chances of survival for the victim.

The antiviral drug “Ribavirin” is usually effective when administered early enough. However, Ribavirin cannot be used to prevent the occurrence of Lasser fever.

Prevention of Lasser fever.

Lasser fever is a life-threatening disease, its symptoms are not clear enough, and chances of survival at the critical stage is very slim, hence the need to take preventive measures which include

1.      Personal hygiene. This is one of the effective ways out of Lasser fever. Ensure your environment is always clean.

2.      Use of rodent-proof containers. Using rodent-proof containers in storing our foods will help to reduce the chances of rodents feasting on our foods.

3.      Proper cooking of food. Foods are purchased in market places from persons you don't know their hygiene level, it is, therefore, important to ensure foods are well cooked before consumption especially meats, grains, etc

4.      Use of rodent traps. This is another effective way of discouraging rodents and reducing their population. Make use of traps within and in the surroundings of the house.

5.      Use of protective clothing. Clothing that can help to protect every part of the body should be used when caring for an infected victim. Gloves should be worn, the nose should be protected and other parts of the body should be well covered.

6.      Cooked foods should be well covered if yet to be consumed and exposed foods should not be consumed.

7.      Avoid using unsterilized objects. This is another way of preventing Lasser fever. Objects such as blade, the needle should be sterilized before use or should not even be shared.

8.      Avoid sharing clothing. Lasser fever can be contracted from person to person through the body fluid of an infected person to an uninfected person. These fluids include sweat, blood, saliva, etc.

Lasser fever is a deadly disease and the most dangerous disease. It is therefore important that precautions are taken to prevent the occurrence like a saying that prevention is far cheaper than cure. Maintaining personal hygiene is very essential.