Lassa fever news

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or contaminated food and water. Here are some recent news updates on Lassa fever:

Recent Outbreaks:

• Nigeria: The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 1,144 cases of Lassa fever in 2022, with 143 deaths, as of January 2023. (Source: NCDC)
• Ghana: The Ghana Health Service reported 144 cases of Lassa fever in 2022, with 12 deaths, as of December 2022. (Source: Ghana Health Service)
• Benin: The Benin Ministry of Health reported 23 cases of Lassa fever in 2022, with 2 deaths, as of December 2022. (Source: Benin Ministry of Health)

Research and Development:

• A new vaccine against Lassa fever has been developed by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The vaccine has shown promising results in animal studies and is expected to enter human clinical trials soon. (Source: Science Daily)
• Scientists have identified a new strain of the Lassa virus, which is more virulent than previously thought. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments and vaccines. (Source: The Lancet)

Public Health Measures:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended enhanced surveillance and contact tracing to contain the spread of Lassa fever. (Source: WHO)
• The Nigerian government has launched a campaign to educate the public on the prevention and control of Lassa fever, including the importance of proper food handling and storage. (Source: Premium Times)

Treatment and Management:

• Researchers have identified a new treatment for Lassa fever, which involves the use of a combination of antiviral medications and supportive care. (Source: The Lancet)
• The WHO has recommended the use of ribavirin, an antiviral medication, for the treatment of Lassa fever. (Source: WHO)

Prevention:

• The WHO has recommended that people take steps to prevent contact with infected rodents, such as storing food and water in rodent-proof containers and avoiding contact with rodents. (Source: WHO)
• The Nigerian government has launched a campaign to promote the use of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent mosquito bites, which can transmit the Lassa virus. (Source: Premium Times)

These are just a few examples of recent news updates on Lassa fever. If you're looking for more information, I recommend checking out reputable sources such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.