A health condition that happens when a person is infected with the Lassa virus is called Lassa fever. This condition is a type of viral hemorrhagic illness and commonly occurs in West Africa. While most people who develop this condition have mild symptoms (such as fever and headaches), approximately 10% of people have serious illness. Furthermore, pregnant women are at increased risk for serious complications (including miscarriage).
This virus can spread through the poop and pee of infected rats, but you can get it from direct contact with the bodily fluids of another infected person. Generally, about 100,000 to 300,000 people get infected with the Lassa virus each year in the countries located in West Africa. Nowadays, there are no reported cases of this disease in the U.S. or other parts of the world.
Symptoms
Most people (about 80%) with Lassa fever have mild symptoms. These include:
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Cough
- Headaches
- Fever
- Sore throat
However, approximately 20% of people develop a severe form of Lassa fever and the following symptoms. For example:
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Stomach, neck, or chest pain
- Bleeding from the mouth, eyes, nose, or other mucous membranes
It is very important to get medical care if you experience any of the previous symptoms. Otherwise, it may lead to serious complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
This health condition occurs due to the Lassa virus (LASV). Commonly, it is carried by Mastomys rats. These rats live in countries in West Africa. While most people have mild symptoms, it can cause serious damage to the blood vessels and reduce the blood’s ability to clot. As a result, it leads to uncontrolled bleeding.
People often get infected with this virus when they come in contact with the feces (poop) or urine (pee) of infected rats. However, this virus may also spread from one person to another through direct contact with bodily fluids (including sexual contact or exposure to blood, urine, or feces). Furthermore, it is very important to get protective equipment to prevent the spread in healthcare facilities.
While anyone can develop Lassa fever, the following factors may increase your risk. Check some of them below:
- Contaminated food or objects
- Environmental factors (such as living in crowded, poor-quality housing, and others)
- Eating or handling rodents
- Certain countries in West Africa (including Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Benin, Nigeria, and Liberia)
What Happens if Lassa Fever is Left Untreated?
Approximately 30% of people (even with a mild form of Lassa fever) will develop either temporary or permanent hearing loss (deafness). However, this disorder may cause life-threatening complications. These include:
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
- Acute kidney injury (sudden kidney failure)
- Encephalopathy (brain function problems)
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue that lines the heart muscle)
- Pregnancy complications (about 75% of pregnant women have miscarriage if they get infected with this virus)
- Hepatitis (inflammation and infection of the liver)
- Thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets, which often cause uncontrollable bleeding)
- Sepsis (this is a life-threatening bacterial infection that may lead to death without immediate treatment)
- Severe blood clotting disorders (disseminated intravascular coagulation, also known as DIC)
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Coma
- Cognitive impairment
The previous list does not contain a full list of complications, but you can talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Lassa Fever?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent this condition, but healthcare professionals often recommend the following tips to reduce the risk. Examples include:
- Avoid direct contact with rodents (including handling and eating), especially when traveling to areas where Lassa fever is common.
- It is also important to get isolated if you are already infected with this virus.
- Wear protective equipment each time you come into contact with an infected person or rat. These include a mask, gloves, gowns, non-fogging goggles, and boots.
Diagnosis
Most of the time, doctors start the diagnosis with a physical examination. Thereafter, they will ask some questions and perform the following tests to confirm or rule out this condition. Examples include:
- Lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap)
- Urinalysis (a urine test)
- Throat swab
- Blood tests
Doctors may also perform additional tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. These include Ebola, dengue fever, malaria, and others.
Treatment
Doctors often recommend the following options to treat Lassa fever. These include:
- Antiviral medicines (such as Ribavirin)
- Dialysis for kidney damage
- Supplemental oxygen
- IV fluids, other medicines, and supplements to restore electrolyte imbalances
Furthermore, pregnant women who get infected with this virus need special medical attention. While most of the time the fetus dies, doctors will monitor for any signs of miscarriage. They do this because it is recommended to remove any fetal tissue as soon as possible if a miscarriage occurs. It also significantly improves the chances that your disorder will improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel better?
In most cases, this condition causes mild symptoms, and it takes 1-2 weeks to feel better. If you develop a more severe form of this condition, you may need to take medicines for 1-2 months to recover completely.
What is the survival rate of Lassa fever?
Generally, the survival rate is good because most people with Lassa fever have mild symptoms. However, for people who require hospitalization, the mortality rate is about 15%. The death (mortality) rate increases even more if a pregnant woman gets this condition.
When should I go to the ER?
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if any of the following symptoms occur. These include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Severe diarrhea and vomiting
- Chest, neck, or stomach pain
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
