JCIN Ikeja to Conduct Lassa Fever Sensitization Via Online Media

Determined to bring joy and sensitize Nigerians and Africa in Diaspora about the deadly disease, “LASSA FEVER”, Junior Chamber International Nigeria, Ikeja THE LEGACY BUILDER, will on Friday January 29^th, join hands with renowned Nigerians and world health authorities to educate on good health and well being. The interactive segment is scheduled on Twitter for easy communication.

In its commitment to expand global sensitization of Lasa Fever, contribute good health and well being according to SDG GOAL, the Local Organization President of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, Ikeja, Olamide Akin Balogun Confirmed that #KickLassaFeverOutCampaign Online Campaign is being hosted by JCI, Global Impact Ambassador, Medicaid Diagnostics, Bring Back our Girls Group, Kebbi State, Host (health matters on NigeriainfoFM 99.3 ) to answer questions on everything LASSA FEVER.

The programme provides answers to unknown questions of the menace. Nigerians and the world at large will find out the causes of “LASSA FEVER”, how to aid it, how to manage the crisis period and many more.  

The focus of this event is sensitizing about the fever and totally eradicates the deadly disease.

Among the contributors and moderators of the online discussion are agents of change, such as: Pascal Dike: Junior Chamber International World President, Amb. Olatunji Oyeyemi: JCI Nigeria National President, Amb. Olamide Akin Balogun, David Eka Jnr; Global Impact Ambassador: Local Organisation President, JCIN Ikeja, Dr Zainab Shinkafi: Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Juliet Offiah : Host,Health Matters on NigeriaInfoFM 99.3, Aisha Yesufu: Leader Of the BBOG Group, Amb. Henry Adedokun: Executive Vice President South West Nigeria, Amb. Adetola Juyitan: National Vice President, South West Nigeria and All Medic Aid Diagnostics center Doctors

Lassa Fever was first discovered in the 1950’s but the cause of the deadly fever was not identified until 1969. It is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria and is spread by rats. Otherneighboring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found throughoutthe West African region. Due to the clinical course of the disease is so variable, detection of the disease in affected patients has beendifficult but prompt isolation of affectedpatients, good infection protection and control practices and rigorous contact tracing can stop outbreaks.

Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever. There is no epidemiological evidence supportingairborne spread between humans

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever commonly happen 1-3 weeks after a person has come into contactwith the virus. For most of those with a Lassa fever virus infection; around 80%, symptoms are mild and under-diagnosed. Mild symptoms include:Weakness, Headaches, Slight fever, General malaise, Repeated vomiting, Respiratory distress, Pain in the back, chest and abdomen, Facial swelling

DIAGNOSIS

The symptoms of Lassa fever are varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early inthe course of the disease.Definitive diagnosis requires testing that is available only in specialized laboratories. Laboratory specimensmay be hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. Lassa virus infections can only be diagnoseddefinitively in the laboratory using the following tests:

Antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Antigen detection tests, Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, Virus isolation by cell culture.

TREATMENT/ PREVENTION

‘Ribavirin,’ is an antiviral drug that has been used with success in people affected by Lassa fever in its earlystage.

Supportive care that consists of maintenance of:

Oxygenation, Blood pressure, Treatment of complicating infections, Appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance.Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing ofgarbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats. Because Mastomys are soabundant in endemic areas, it is not possible to completely eliminate them from the environment. Familymembers should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

Lassa fever should be considered in febrile patients returning from West Africa, especially if they have hadexposures in rural areas or hospitals in countries where Lassa fever is known to be endemic. Health-careworkers seeing a patient suspected to have Lassa fever should immediately contact local and national expertsfor advice and to arrange for laboratory testing.