What Are the Key Symptoms of Lassa Fever to Watch Out For
The similarity between the symptoms of Lassa fever and other illnesses, like malaria, has often been the reason for improper diagnosis and inadequate treatment. This, therefore, has resulted in death in many cases.
Lassa fever is a serious illness that is on the rise in different parts of West Africa, most especially Nigeria. It is caused by the Lassa virus, and can be transmitted through direct contact with the faeces or urine of an infected rodent.
To learn more, don’t hesitate to keep reading, as more light will be shed on the symptoms of Lassa fever and other things to watch out for.
What Are The Causes of Lassa Fever in Humans
As earlier stated that lassa fever is caused by the lassa virus-a member of the Arenaviridae family. Its primary source of infection is the multimammate rat which is popular in West Africa.
Humans can become infected with this deadly illness when there is a direct contact with the feces, saliva, blood, or urine of an infected Mastomys rats.
Others may become infected when there is direct contact with the fluids of an infected person. This can occur through the use of instruments like needles which haven’t been properly sterilized.
What Are The Key Symptoms of Lassa Fever to Watch Out For
The early symptoms of lassa fever are similar with that of malaria and they include;
- Headache
- Persistent high ever
- Sore throat
- General weakness of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
These symptoms usually appear within 6 to 21 days after an exposure to the virus.
Where the illness is not detected and becomes severe, the symptoms will include;
- Seizures
- Swelling of the face
- Tremors (shaking in a part of the body that you can’t control. This shaking can happen in legs, head, hands, or even your voice)
- Low blood pressure
- Bleeding from the eyes, nose, gums,or other openings in the body
- Shock
- Hearing loss (this is common even in recovered patients)
- Respiratory distress
Where medical attention is still delayed, it results in death.
When to Seek Help
Due to the similarities between malaria symptoms and that of lassa fever, it is important to run a test at a reliable health center and avoid contact with others
Medical help should also be sought immediately in areas where there’s a high record of lassa fever infection.
Through the use of an app to book doctors appointments, technology has also made it easier to have online chatting with doctors without having to leave the four corners of your home.
Take a brief look at some of the apps that can be used to book an appointment with a doctor.
Top Doctor-Booking & Telemedicine Apps in Nigeria
This app allows you to sign up and book appointments via voice, video, or messaging chat with access to your medical records from wherever you are.
- Varry App
With this app to schedule doctor appointments, you can book for general consultations, elderly home visits, membership-based care, or,an overall digital prescriptions and follow-ups .
- OgaDoc
You can also have online chatting with doctors through the use of OgaDoc app since it’s a dedicated telemedicine service that offers virtual consultations (chat, audio, video) and appointment.
- MySmartMedic
This is an AI-powered platform that connects you with licensed Nigerian doctors. With it, you can book for text or video consultations. It’s simply a unique app that allows online chatting with doctors.
- Health Connect 24×7
This app to schedule doctors appointments is a virtual clinic that provides toll-free, and 24/7 access to doctors. It is available in multiple Nigerian languages via video or audio calls .
What Are the Prevention Tips for Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is deadly, but it’s preventable and here are effective tips:
- Avoid Contact With the fluids of the Sick
This specially refers to those who have sick people around them or are caring for the sick. Make use of protective wears such as masks, gloves, and protective gear when taking care of a sick person.
Disinfect beddings and other surfaces that may have been contaminated.
- Avoid Contact with Rodents
Dirty surroundings attract rodents hence the need to keep your home and surroundings clean always.
Dispose of garbage properly, far away from your living area.
Ensure to keep your cooking areas clean and store your food in sealed containers.
Don’t dry food on the ground or in areas where rats can access it.
If possible, block cracks in walls and doors that can give rats entrance.
- Practice Personal Food Hygiene
Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially before cooking or eating.
Clean and cook food well to kill any possible virus.
Boil water before drinking if you are unsure of the source.
- Community Awareness
Help others by educating on Lassa fever, especially in high-risk areas.
Don’t fail to report any sudden fever outbreaks or suspected Lassa cases to local health authorities.
Final Thoughts
Lassa fever is dangerous, but early detection and action saves lives. With the knowledge of the symptoms of lassa fever in place,and also having a hold of an app to schedule doctor appointments to have an online chatting with doctor, you can now join the world to help fight lassa fever using an app to book doctors appointments quickly.You can sign up here now to get started.
