Lassa Fever in Nigeria: Practical Prevention and Early Action

Many families in Nigeria hear "Lassa fever" and think it is something that happens far away. As a pharmacist, I understand that feeling, but the truth is simple: it can show up in any community. The best protection is not complicated. It is the daily habits we keep at home, in hostels, and in our shops.

What Lassa fever means in plain language

Lassa fever is a viral illness commonly linked to contact with rodents, especially their urine or droppings around food storage and household surfaces. It can start like ordinary fever or malaria, then worsen quickly if treatment is delayed. Early action, including testing and proper medical care, can be life-saving.

Why everyday habits matter

You do not need expensive equipment to reduce risk. Most prevention is practical home routine: - Keep food sealed and covered - Keep kitchens and stores clean and dry - Dispose of waste properly - Reduce places where rodents can hide

In Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom, harmattan dust, open food storage, and crowded market environments can increase contamination risk. Small consistent changes can protect a lot of people.

Practical checklist for this week

Pick 5 to 7 items and start today: - [ ] Move grains, garri, beans, and snacks from open sacks into sealed containers. - [ ] Cover cooked food and drinking water, especially overnight. - [ ] Sweep floors and wipe kitchen counters daily to remove crumbs. - [ ] Use covered bins and keep refuse away from food areas. - [ ] Seal holes and gaps around doors, walls, and windows. - [ ] Dry plates, cups, and utensils fully before storing. - [ ] Keep bushes trimmed and your compound clean. - [ ] Store cartons and firewood away from bedrooms and kitchens. - [ ] Avoid drying food by busy roadsides where dust and rodents are common. - [ ] Teach children not to touch dead rodents or unknown animals.

Early symptoms people often ignore

One major challenge is that early symptoms can look like malaria or a regular fever. Watch for: - Fever that does not improve after basic malaria treatment - Weakness, body pain, headache, or sore throat - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain - Chest pain or cough - Symptoms getting worse instead of better

Important: severe bleeding is not always present at the beginning. Do not wait for dramatic signs before seeking care.

Quick do and do not table

Do	Do not
Keep food sealed and covered	Leave cooked food open overnight
Clean kitchen and storage areas daily	Ignore rodent droppings or urine stains
Seek care early for persistent fever	Self-medicate for many days hoping it will pass
Keep waste bins covered	Keep refuse close to food areas
Seal entry points in doors and walls	Assume rodents cannot reach high shelves

When to Seek Help Quickly

Go to a qualified health facility urgently if anyone has: - Fever lasting more than 48 to 72 hours - Vomiting that does not stop or inability to keep fluids down - Severe weakness, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing - Bleeding from the nose, gums, stool, or urine - Worsening symptoms after taking malaria medicines

Please do not stay home to "monitor" when symptoms are worsening. Early care gives a better chance of recovery.

What to expect at the clinic

Many people worry they will be judged, but health workers are trained to help, not blame. The team may ask about symptoms, home environment, food storage, and possible rodent exposure. This helps them decide the right tests and treatment quickly.

For families, students, and shop owners

• Families: make rodent control and safe food storage a household routine.
• Students: avoid keeping open snacks under beds or in drawers for days.
• Shop owners and market traders: store food off the floor and keep stock in closed containers.

Key takeaway

Lassa fever prevention is mostly about consistency: clean spaces, sealed food, proper waste handling, and fast action when fever does not settle. If there is one thing to remember, it is this: do not delay care for persistent fever.

Disclaimer

This article is for general health education only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are unwell or worried about symptoms, please seek care from a qualified health professional.

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