Fever Lassa - an infection that belongs to the group of hemorrhagic fevers, accompanied by damage to the kidneys, nervous system, liver, hemorrhages, the formation of diathesis, pneumonia. When the disease is infected, there is a high risk of myocardial infarction. In many cases, the ailment is fatal.
Mechanism of transmission of the lassa fever
The contact method is one of the main methods of infecting a person from an animal. The penetration of bacteria into the body occurs when eating infected foods, liquids, and meat that has not undergone heat treatment. The Lassa virus can be transmitted from the animal to humans through:
- injured skin;
- Airways;
- conjunctiva.
Transmission from the patient is carried out:
- airborne droplets;
- sexual method;
- in close contact with the patient.
A common feature of these fevers is high infectiousness and mortality. Their peculiarity is that there is a possibility of infection with:
- use of common household items;
- medical care;
- use of non-sterile tools.
Symptoms of Lossa fever
The duration of the incubation stage is from seven to fourteen days. An acute current usually does not arise. Symptoms do not show themselves right away, but gradually, gradually gaining strength.
The primary signs are:
- malaise;
- weakened body;
- temperature increase;
- muscle weakness;
- discomfort when swallowing.
As the Lassa hemorrhagic fever grows stronger, the symptoms become more pronounced:
- signs of poisoning;
- increase in temperature to 40 degrees;
- increased lymph nodes;
- occurrence of erythematous rash;
- necrotizing pharyngitis.
If the patient's condition worsens, the following can be formed:
- kidney failure;
- myocarditis ;
- pneumonia;
- edema.
Survival in case of complications of the disease is from 30 to 50%.
In addition to Lassa fever, you should consider signs of Marburg and Ebola viruses.
These fevers are characterized by an acute onset, manifested by a rash and conjunctivitis.
At the initial stages:
- vomiting;
- Diarrhea with frequent watery excrement;
- dehydration;
- loss of consciousness;
- maculopapular rash followed by peeling on the hands, feet and neck.
About a week after infection, hemorrhagic syndrome manifests itself, accompanied by gastric, nasal and uterine bleeding. There are also disorders of the nervous system, kidneys, hepatitis and dehydration. The risk of death is 30-90%. The cause of death is a violation of the brain, heart failure and toxic shock.
If the patient managed to save his life, the process of recovery will take a long time. The recovered one retains soreness of the muscles, a headache, an unpleasant feeling in the throat, and hair can also drop out. In addition, the disease can be complicated by such processes as:
- hepatitis;
- uveitis ;
- myocarditis;
- orchitis with testicular atrophy in men.
In rare cases, there are psychoses.
Treatment of hemorrhagic fevers Lassa, Marburga and Ebola
As such, there is no specific treatment. All patients are isolated, in rooms with exhaust ventilation. It is important to follow all the rules, medical workers need to be extremely cautious. Also, a survey of people who are in close contact with the patient to identify the infection.
Basically, therapy consists of suppressing symptoms, eliminating dehydration of the body and infectious-toxic shock. Since the patient loses immunity, it is recommended to inject immunoglobulin every fifteen milliliters at the acute stage and six milliliters at the stage of recovery every ten days.