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In 2024, a middle-aged man from eastern Iowa died after contracting Lassa fever. If you're like many, you may be wondering, "What is Lassa fever?" This is an excellent question and one that is answered within this gallery. This virus is no joke, and while it may be rare in the US, it's important to be informed to prevent an epidemic from occurring.
Curious about how Lassa fever could impact you? Click through now to explore further.
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the death of a middle-aged man from eastern Iowa due to Lassa fever. If you're like many, you may be wondering, "What is Lassa fever?" This is an excellent question and one that is answered within this gallery. This virus is no joke, and while it may be rare in the US, it's important to be informed to prevent an epidemic from occurring.
Curious about how Lassa fever could impact you? Click through now to explore further.
Lassa fever is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) illness that is common in West African countries and can cause uncontrolled bleeding.
Most of those diagnosed with Lassa fever have mild symptoms. However, 20% of people who contract it become extremely ill.
Approximately 100,000 to 300,000 people get Lassa fever in countries in West Africa annually. In the US, there has only been one confirmed death on October 28, 2024.
For about 20% of people who have Lassa fever, symptoms are things such as chest, neck, or stomach pain, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes, seizures, and confusion.
Lassa virus (LASV) causes Lassa fever and is carried by Mastomys, or multimammate rats, which live in countries in West Africa. Lassa virus can damage blood vessels and lower your blood’s ability to clot thereby causing uncontrolled bleeding.
Lassa fever is spread through the feces of infected rats. Additionally, if you are in contact with an infected person's bodily fluids then you could contract the fever.
Bodily fluids of people infected with LASV can be spread through intimate physical contact or exposure to their blood or feces, etc.
If you travel to areas in West Africa where Lassa fever is common then you can be at a greater risk of contracting it. Areas include Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone.
In mild cases, about one in three people who get Lassa fever has partial or complete hearing loss that may be temporary or even permanent.
In cases of pregnant women infected with Lassa fever, over 75% of pregnancies end in the loss of the fetus.
Complications that might occur with Lassa fever include inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis), fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), infection and inflammation of organs such as the liver (hepatitis), and low platelets (thrombocytopenia).
Lassa fever can be diagnosed by testing samples of bodily fluids such as blood or urine, or by a throat swab.
Lassa fever can look like other illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and Ebola, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to tell your doctor if you've traveled lately and might have been exposed to the virus.
Doctors and healthcare providers will often treat Lassa fever with ribavirin, which is an antiviral medication. Also, depending on the severity of your condition, other treatments may be prescribed.
In addition to protecting yourself if you're around someone who is infected, you should also avoid contact with rodents, especially in areas where Lassa fever is prominent.
It's essential to wear protective coverings when caring for someone who has or might have Lassa fever. This includes a mask, gloves, gowns, non-fogging goggles and boots.
If you are infected with Lassa virus, you should definitely isolate from others to prevent it from spreading.
If you have Lassa fever you can expect the symptoms previously mentioned and the need for healthcare providers or those caring for you from afar (since you'll be isolated) to take special precautions to stay healthy.
In most cases, Lassa fever is mild and it can take a week or longer to feel better. Additionally, about half of people with hearing loss regain hearing within a few weeks.
Remaining in isolation until you're cleared by a medical professional is extremely important. Otherwise, you could be contagious and risk spreading the virus.
You should seek out healthcare advice immediately if you begin experiencing symptoms of Lassa fever after visiting countries in West Africa.
If you're having severe symptoms such as chest, neck, or stomach pain or difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, or diarrhea be sure to go to the ER and wear protective gear. Also, alert the staff that you might have Lassa fever.
If you are diagnosed with Lassa fever, you should ask your doctor for advice about how to prevent spreading the virus, treatment options, and what new or worsening symptoms to look out for.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Reuters) (World Health Organization) (CDC)
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In 2024, a middle-aged man from eastern Iowa died after contracting Lassa fever. If you're like many, you may be wondering, "What is Lassa fever?" This is an excellent question and one that is answered within this gallery. This virus is no joke, and while it may be rare in the US, it's important to be informed to prevent an epidemic from occurring.
Curious about how Lassa fever could impact you? Click through now to explore further.