Latest news on lassa fever

Here are the latest news and updates on Lassa fever:

Recent Outbreaks:

• Nigeria: The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,144 cases of Lassa fever in 2022, with 144 deaths, as of February 27, 2023. The outbreak is ongoing, with cases reported in 25 states.
• Ghana: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported 14 cases of Lassa fever in 2023, with 2 deaths, as of February 24, 2023.
• Benin: The Benin Ministry of Health has reported 12 cases of Lassa fever in 2023, with 2 deaths, as of February 22, 2023.

Vaccination Efforts:

• Nigeria: The NCDC has launched a vaccination campaign against Lassa fever, using the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, which has been shown to be effective against the virus. The campaign aims to vaccinate 1 million people in high-risk areas.
• Ghana: The GHS has also launched a vaccination campaign against Lassa fever, using the same vaccine. The campaign aims to vaccinate 500,000 people in high-risk areas.

Research and Development:

• A new study published in the journal The Lancet has identified a genetic mutation in the Lassa virus that may be responsible for its increased virulence. The study suggests that the mutation may have occurred in the 1980s, leading to a significant increase in the number of cases and deaths.
• Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new diagnostic test for Lassa fever that can detect the virus in just 30 minutes. The test uses a portable device that can be used in remote areas where access to medical facilities is limited.

Prevention and Control:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines for the prevention and control of Lassa fever, including measures such as:
  • Improving sanitation and hygiene in homes and communities
  • Reducing contact with rodents and their excreta
  • Wearing protective clothing and masks when handling infected animals or patients
  • Implementing infection control measures in healthcare settings
• The NCDC has also issued guidelines for the prevention and control of Lassa fever in Nigeria, including measures such as:
  • Improving access to healthcare services in high-risk areas
  • Increasing public awareness of the disease and its symptoms
  • Implementing surveillance and contact tracing measures to identify and track cases

Symptoms and Treatment:

• Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and bleeding. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, coma, and death.
• There is no specific treatment for Lassa fever, but patients can be treated with supportive care, such as fluids and oxygen, to manage symptoms.
• Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of Lassa fever, but it is not widely available in many parts of Africa.

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