Lassa fever causes 5000 deaths a year. What should health care workers and the public know about this rare disease, and what is done to treat it?
For the month of February 2024, Infection Control Today® and Contagion®Live are collaborating on rare infectious diseases for Rare Disease Awareness Month, examining both old and new infectious diseases that health care workers need to know.
Fever is a type of hemorrhagic fever that is commonly found in West Africa, specifically in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria. This disease is caused by the Lassa virus and can be transmitted to humans when they come into contact with infected rodents or their bodily fluids. Symptoms of the illness include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and bleeding. In severe cases, it can result in organ failure and even death.
The Lassa fever treatment Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of Lassa fever cases worldwide. Lassa fever poses a health threat in affected regions, with an estimated annual occurrence of 100,000 to 300,000 cases and approximately 5,000 deaths, according to the CDC.
Research Nester Analysis predicts that the Lassa fever treatment market will exceed $480 million by the end of 2036 with a projected compound growth rate of around 13% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2036. In 2023, the size of the Lassa fever treatment industry was $24 million. The disease predominantly affects areas with limited access to health care resources, making diagnosis and effective treatment challenging.
There is an urgent need for enhanced treatment approaches for Lassa fever, as current care mainly focuses on supportive measures like fluid replacement and electrolyte balance along with antiviral medication. Moreover, specific antiviral therapies targeting the Lassa virus are lacking.
Lassa fever is commonly found in regions of West Africa, especially Nigeria, where it is believed to result in numerous fatalities annually. This illness presents a public health concern due to its high mortality rate and the limited accessibility of effective treatments and vaccines. The primary strategies for managing Lassa fever revolve around preventing the virus from spreading through enhanced hygiene measures, controlling rodents, and raising awareness through campaigns.
Conventional Treatment Options
When it comes to the treatment of Lassa fever, conventional treatment choices are accessible. These choices primarily concentrate on symptom management, offering care, and utilizing antiviral medications to combat the virus.
Researchers are currently conducting studies toward developing a vaccine for Lassa fever. They are investigating potential vaccine candidates who have shown effectiveness in primates. Many of these candidates utilize attenuated viral vectors that express surface glycoproteins and the nucleoprotein of the Lassa virus. The success of these vaccines in monkeys appears to rely on stimulating lymphocyte responses, which is likely similar to the immune mechanisms observed in humans who have survived Lassa fever. These vaccine strategies show promise for development.
Holistic medicine adopts a comprehensive strategy in dealing with Lassa fever by examining and addressing the root causes of the disease. This involves identifying and treating any imbalances or dysfunctions within the body that might be involved in the onset or advancement of the illness.
Best Practices From Government And Other Countries
Lassa fever is a highly contagious disease that is commonly found in West Africa. Since 2016, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collaborated with institutions to enhance the ability to diagnose Lassa fever. Currently, the NCDC National Reference Laboratory (NRL) is coordinating a network of 7 laboratories across the country for testing and identification of this disease.
Moreover, several ongoing awareness campaigns and programs are aimed at combating Lassa fever in affected regions. These include:
Practicing good hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of Lassa fever. Here are some hygiene practices to follow:
For health care workers:
For the public:
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. Here are some measures to avoid contact with rodents:
Lassa fever is an illness that needs quick identification and treatment to minimize complications and fatalities. Detecting and treating the disease early is crucial in lessening the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of death. Hence, it is vital for nations to possess resources for detecting, diagnosing, and treating Lassa fever. Furthermore, raising awareness about the illness and implementing preventive measures can help decrease the risk of getting infected.
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