Barely one year after successfully combating
the Ebola outbreak Nigeria is currently facing another health catastrophe known
as Lassa fever. The Lassa virus which originated in Lassa town in Borno State, Nigeria
in 1969 causes a haemorrhage-inducing fever similar to Ebola. Its primary host
has been traced to mouse and transmission to humans possibly by contamination
of its primary host’s urine or faeces with food or grains in the store. Its symptoms
include headaches, sore
throats, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. At the last
count, the fever has spread to 10 out of the 36 States of the country. 
The Government in its efforts to control
the disease has started distribution of an antiviral drug called ribavirin which
fights the virus when given to patients with early stage diagnosis. The Health Ministry
has also instituted a National Lassa fever Action Committee to discuss the
ongoing outbreak and how to respond effectively, while jiggles and other forms
of public awareness have started on the media to sensitize people on the need
to store food out of rats’ reach and washing all fresh fruits and vegetables
thoroughly.
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