Lassa fever primary prevention: Difference between revisions
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==Primary Prevention== | ==Primary Prevention== | ||
Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where | Primary [[transmission]] of the Lassa virus from its [[host (biology)|host]] to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where [[outbreak]]s occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes. Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended. Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent [[population]]s. | ||
When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further [[transmission]] of the disease through person-to-person contact or [[nosocomial]] routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient [[secretion]]s (together called VHF isolation precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment [[sterilization (microbiology)|sterilization]]; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course. | When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further [[transmission]] of the disease through person-to-person contact or [[nosocomial]] routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient [[secretion]]s (together called [[VHFs|VHF]] [[isolation (health care)|isolation]] precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment [[sterilization (microbiology)|sterilization]]; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course. | ||
No [[vaccine]] against Lassa fever is currently available, though development is underway. The Mozambique virus closely resembles Lassa fever, while lacking its deadly effects. This virus is being considered for possible use as a vaccine. | No [[vaccine]] against Lassa fever is currently available, though development is underway. The Mozambique virus closely resembles Lassa fever, while lacking its deadly effects. This virus is being considered for possible use as a vaccine. | ||
Revision as of 14:34, 24 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Primary Prevention
Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes. Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended. Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent populations.
When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further transmission of the disease through person-to-person contact or nosocomial routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient secretions (together called VHF isolation precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment sterilization; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course.
No vaccine against Lassa fever is currently available, though development is underway. The Mozambique virus closely resembles Lassa fever, while lacking its deadly effects. This virus is being considered for possible use as a vaccine.