Lassa fever outbreak: Map shows terrifying new plague with NO cure SPREADING
LASSA fever, a deadly virus likened to the plague, is tightening its grip on Nigeria as it spreads across the west African country with no cure in sight. The death rate among reported cases of the viral hemorrhagic fever in Nigeria has rocketed from an average 1 percent to an alarming 20 percent, latest figures show.
By REBECCA PERRING
Express.co.uk
Thu, Mar 8, 2018
Health officials in Nigeria say the outbreak is “unprecedented” as it looks to spread further and faster.
The World Health Organisation said an “urgent and intense” response is needed to contain the viral disease.
At least 78 people have been confirmed dead and 353 are infected in the outbreak.
A further 766 people are suspected to be infected and 3,126 contacts have been identified and are being monitored by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Lassa is an acute haemorrhagic fever caused by a virus spread in rat droppings.
The virus, which has been likened to the Black Death, can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat as there is currently no effective vaccine against it.
The World Health Organisation said: “The increase in new cases of Lassa fever is of concern and challenges around the provision of adequate resources for managing the outbreak remain.
“The large number and wide geographical spread of cases requires an urgent and intensive response, including support for infection prevention and control, case management, and laboratory testing, from national and international partners in order to bring the outbreak under control.”
Lassa fever is spread when people come into contact with food and household items contaminated with rat urine or faeces.
The virus begins like the flu for the first couple of weeks, with people experiencing mild symptoms such as fever, headaches and general weaknesses.
But in the most severe of cases it can damage blood vessels and organs, whereby bleeding can occur through the gums, nose and eyes.
Death can follow within two weeks of the virus taking effect.
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