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Step 1
Begin with prevention. Rodents called mastomys, which are common in Africa and difficult to contain, carry Lassa fever. Keep food in airtight containers, lay traps, keep your home clean and do everything possible to keep them out of grain bins. This fever is carried in their fecal matter and blood.
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Step 2
Begin treatment immediately if you and your doctor suspect you might have Lassa fever. The drug ribavirin has been found to be exceptionally effective in saving lives of victims. It must be given quickly and aggressively, usually for approximately 10 days, and works best when administered through an IV. Ribavirin is a severe drug with harsh side effects but so far it's the only one known to work.
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Step 3
Administer fluids and electrolytes, as some of the symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhea to restore balance. The problem with replacing fluids is the permeability of the blood vessels so the patient must be watched carefully for signs of pulmonary edema.
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Step 4
Watch for excessive blood loss. The patient may need blood and platelet transfusions to replace what is lost through the organs and veins. Keep a careful watch on the patient's blood pressure and oxygenation. Interferon therapy has also been used intravenously and found to be helpful in fighting off the illness.
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Step 5
Provide palliative care for pain. Opiates are used for this, and antibiotics are given to ward off secondary infections during recovery such as aseptic meningitis, seizures, encephalitis and deafness. There is no vaccine, although progress has been made in animal trials.
Comments
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