Lassa fever; All you need to know about the virus

What is Lassa Fever?
         Lassa Fever is a severe and often hemorrhagic illness caused by the lassa virus. Since its original discovery in 1969 in the village of Lassa in Borno State, Nigeria. Lassa virus is a member of the Arenaviridae virus family. Humans contact the virus primarily through contact with the contaminated excreta of the Mastomys natelensis rodents(multiple breasted rats)
            The rodents live in houses with humans and deposit excreta on floors, tables, beds and in food. Consequently the virus is transmitted to humans through cuts and scratches or inhaled dust particles in the air In some regions, Mastomys(the rats) are consumed as food.

Symptoms of Lassa Fever
       Death from Lassa Fever occurs 10-14 days after symptom onset. Its symptoms are

fever
sore throat
diarrhea
pink eye(conjunctivitis)
back pain
swelling of the face
protein in the urine
mucosal bleeding(nose, mouth, lungs and digestive tract)
cough
stomach pain
vomiting
loss of hearing
tremors
encephalitis(inflammation of the brain)

Treatment and cure
        Like Ebola and any other diseases bedevilling the world today, there is no cure. However ribavirin an antiviral has been used with success in people affected by the virus. It has shown to be most effective when it is administered early in the course of the illness.