Following the recording of two cases of Lasa Fever by the Ghana Health Service, it has become necessary for the Service to embark upon community sensitization.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders have therefore, assured the general public that all efforts were being made to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, here are the basic things to know about Lassa Fever.
Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat.
It is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and now Ghana.
Lassa fever is caused by Lasso virus and the incubation period is 2-21 days
The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodents (rats or mices) urine or feces.
Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces or other bodily fluids of a person infected with Lassa fever. Sexual transmission of Lassa virus has also been reported.
*Symptoms of Lassa Fever*
The early symptoms of Lassa fever may include fever and weakness. Persons may later present with headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and abdominal pain.
In severe cases, there may be bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or stomach. Death usually occurs within 14 days of onset in fatal cases.
*Treatment Mode*
There is medicine (antiviral) for treatment and much effective if taken early. There is currently no vaccine against Lassa fever.
*Prevention and Control*
Prevention relies on promoting community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering our homes. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and ensuring clean pets.
Also, avoid contacts with blood and body fluids when caring for Lassa sick persons. The Ministry of Health and Ghana the Health Service, in collaboration with its partners, wishes to assure the general public that all efforts were being made to contain the outbreak to prevent further spread of the virus.
