By Kemo Cham
The Ministry of Health on Monday assured that it’s taking every possible measure to prevent an escalation of “incidences” of the viral hemorrhagic fever disease – Lassa - which has so far claimed one life and led to a sudden increase in cases since November 4.
The victim, a Dutch medical practitioner, died over the weekend in the Netherlands after he was evacuated from the country. Dr Noulet Woucher had been taken ill in Masanga in the northern Tonkolili District, where he is believed to have contracted the virus after operating on a pregnant woman and another female patient – both of whom are now suspected to be linked to the ongoing chain of infections.
Both women later died after profuse bleeding, according to the health ministry.
Dr Woucher was one of three confirmed cases. The second case, a fellow expatriate, is said to be responding to treatment in the Netherlands. The third, a Sierra Leonean nurse anesthetist, is currently admitted in the Lassa Fever unit in Kenema, where one suspected case is also admitted.
Officials said a total of 48 people have been placed under “strict” medical surveillance, including 29 medical workers, either for coming into contact with the sick people or for showing signs and symptoms common to Lassa Fever infections.
“All what deserves to be done scientifically is being done,” Dr Alpha Wurie, Minister of Health and Sanitation, said at a press conference convened at the Emergency Operations Center in Freetown.
Dr Wurie added that what’s happening now, in terms of cases of Lassa Fever being sporadically recorded in parts of the country, were mere “incidences” that could degenerate into an outbreak, stressing that the ministry was doing everything to ensure it is contained.
“Be rest assured that the ministry, along with the partners - WHO, CDC and all others - would do our absolute best for this not to be an outbreak,” he stated.
Dr Woucher was one of a total of 10 expatriate doctors [Dutch and British nationals] who were evacuated in connection to the November 4th incident. Officials said eight of them showed no signs of infection and that they were only evacuated on the advice of the governments of their home countries as precautionary measure.
Lassa Fever, also known as Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the Lassa virus, which is a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Its symptoms include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains. In extreme cases, the victim experience bleeding in the mouth and nose.
The Lassa Fever virus’ common hosts are rodents. In Sierra Leone, the Mastomys rats are said to be the main vector.
Humans usually become infected with the virus through exposure to food or household items that have been contaminated with urine or feces of the infected rats.
But the virus can also be contracted via fluids of infected persons – human to human.
Health officials are therefore calling on the public to heighten personal hygiene measures to keep away rats, and prevent human to human transmission of the virus already in circulation.
Officials said this is the first time a case of the virus has been detected in Tonkolili, although Sierra Leone is one of half a dozen countries that are designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Lassa Fever endemic. The eastern region of the country had always been known as prone to the virus. In fact it is thought to be where the virus was first discovered.
Therefore, officials said on Monday that the situation in Tonkolili cannot be called an outbreak as it is only isolated to the region.
Dr Allie Wurie, Team Lead of the Rapid Response Team deployed on the ground by the MoHS, said nonetheless the ministry considers the situation seriously.
“Although we have been cautious of Lassa Fever all this while, for the disease to spread through health facility transmission, gives health authorities the cause for concern and vigilance,” he said.
The Ministry said it is taking a few steps that include strengthening the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures in all hospitals, apart from the hospital in Masanga and step up sanitation procedures in all health facilities.
“I think what we are letting the public know is that general hygiene, personal hygiene and food hygiene have to be key for you to live in Sierra Leone,” added the Health Minister.
“Those food sellers should also note what they do. Those that buy the foods should also be very careful because we are talking about rodents, their urine. Check in your food, that is where you will have Lassa Fever from, apart from exchange of body fluid,” he added.
Copyright © 2019 Politico Online
