Lassa fever

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa fever virus, endemic in West Africa, particularly Nigeria. It is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine or feces. This disease poses a significant public health risk, especially in rural areas where rodent infestation is common.

Causes

• Contact with infected rats
• Consuming contaminated food
• Human-to-human transmission in severe cases

Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting

Prevention

• Keep living areas clean and rodent-free
• Store food in airtight containers
• Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals

Treatment

• Seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis
• Supportive care including hydration and nutritional support
• Patients may require antiviral medication; consult healthcare professionals at hospitals like Eko Hospital, Lagoon Hospitals, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), among others, which can be located via our hospital locator.

Nearby hospitals for treatment

• Eko Hospital
  31 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos | +234-1-4977000
• Lagoon Hospitals
  1-5 Ikoyi, Lagos | +234-1-2704000
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital
  Idi-Araba, Lagos | +234-xxx-xxxx
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
  Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos | +234-1-7743426
• Reddington Hospital
  12 Idowu Martins St, Victoria Island, Lagos | +234-1-2719200
• St. Nicholas Hospital Lagos
  57 Campbell St, Lagos Island | +234-1-2632100