- 50 cases already confirmed
With the recent outbreak of Lassa fever, a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), in nine (9) states in Nigeria with 50 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, see here, it has become necessary to highlight ways we can mitigate the spread of this deadly disease. And it starts from taking the necessary preventive measures.
What is Viral Hemorrhagic Fever?
Viral hemorrhagic fever refers to a group of illnesses caused by several families of viruses, including the Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Lassa virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, among others.
The symptoms are fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and life-threatening like high fever, internal bleeding, and organ failure. They are usually transmitted through exposure to infected bodily fluids, and animals.
The good news is, there are various treatment options, however, the best bet is taking precautionary measures because “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure”.
These measures include:
- avoidance of contact with infected persons,
- eradication of vectors,
- getting educated on the topic,
- reducing travel to endemic states,
- vaccination against yellow fever,
- safe storage of food,
- appropriate refuse disposal,
- and most importantly, regular hand washing and sanitization.
With these measures, we can hope to contain the spread of VHFs, and it starts with you!
Stay informed!
Yours in Health,
Docki
