Lassa fever often mistaken for malaria, Medical expert warns
A medical expert, Dr Nosa Ehigie, has warned that Lassa fever is frequently mistaken for malaria in its early stages, often leading to delayed diagnosis, treatment and increased health risks for patients.
Ehigie, the Medical Director of Owen Hospital, Benin, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
According to him, the disease often begins with symptoms similar to malaria, including fever, weakness and general body discomfort.
He advised that any patient being treated for malaria or typhoid fever who fails to respond to medication should immediately be evaluated for possible Lassa fever.
According to him, suspicion becomes stronger when persistent fever is accompanied by bleeding symptoms, underscoring the need for prompt medical evaluation, laboratory testing and timely intervention to reduce complications significantly.
“Lassa fever is a type of viral haemorrhagic disease.
“It is classified as an acute viral haemorrhagic fever, which means that while many cases are mild or completely asymptomatic, severe cases can damage blood vessels, cause organ failure and uncontrolled bleeding.
“The disease may progress to vomiting blood, coughing up blood or other forms of bleeding.
“Once such symptoms appear, there should be a high index of suspicion and the case should be reported immediately,” he said.
The medical director explained that Lassa fever could be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids and secretions, adding that people who handle rodents with bare hands face a higher risk of exposure.
Ehigie advised that suspected cases should be isolated and reported promptly to relevant health authorities for testing, surveillance and management, noting that specialised treatment facilities are available for confirmed infections.
He identified the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo as a major centre for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, stressing that private hospitals should refer confirmed cases to designated facilities.
The physician urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and avoid contact with rodents, describing environmental sanitation as a key preventive measure against the spread of Lassa fever.
He also acknowledged the efforts of government agencies and international health partners in strengthening disease surveillance, public awareness campaigns and emergency response initiatives across affected communities nationwide.
Meanwhile, a resident, Mrs Somto Chibuike, said that although she had heard about Lassa fever for years, she had never personally encountered anyone diagnosed with the disease.
“I have been hearing about Lassa fever for years, but I have never seen anyone with it. Sometimes, people wonder whether it is really common,” she said.
Chibuike, however, called for sustained public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the symptoms, transmission, prevention and dangers of Lassa fever, while encouraging the early reporting of suspected cases.
