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What is Lassa fever?
Lassa Feveris a fever caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses which is predominantly found in west Africa.
Rodents (Rats) are the known vectors of the Lassa virus.
The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.
It is also transmitted through contact of bodily fluids (including urine and sweat), faeces or blood with an infected person.
So far, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Central African Republic are the countries with known cases of Lassa fever.
Prevention of Lassa fever
At home
Health workers
In public areas
Public places are almost unavoidable, from entering public buses to churches, schools etc. Because you cannot tell who is virus free and who is not, it is necessary you to take safety measures.