A 35-year-old woman was confirmed positive for Lassa virus disease on February 26, 2022, announced the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Care. This woman resident in the Oti-Sud health district died following complications from the disease.
In order to limit the spread of this disease, the Ministry of Health has taken the following measures:
-Intensification of investigations in the community for the search for possible cases or deaths and the tracing of contacts;
-reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance and early warning
– organization of the management of any cases;
– sensitizing the population on preventive measures and what to do when faced with suspicious signs.
“Lassa virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can infect anyone. It is contagious and serious. Humans are usually infected by exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents. Then the disease spreads in the community by human-to-human (person-to-person) transmission through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or body fluids of infected people or with people with infected surfaces and materials. said Minister Mijiyawa.
With regard to the symptoms of this disease, we note: high fever, accompanied by one or more of the following signs, general fatigue, headache, irritation of the throat, muscle, chest or abdominal pain , nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and a cough. These signs may or may not be accompanied by bleeding.
To avoid contracting this disease, you should:
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water;
- avoid contact with blood in the stool, urine, saliva and evolution, other body fluids of a suspicious person
- avoiding handling and in the absence of all preventive measures adapting the body of a person suspected of having died of Lassa virus disease
- avoid handling rodents keep food well account open safe from rodents…
“In the face of any suspicion, inform the staff of the nearest health center for rapid and adequate care. Lassa virus disease can be cured if detected and treated early in a health center » said the ministry in charge of health.
