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Sierra Leone Gears Up for Lassa Fever Outbreak
January 19, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Tropical Disease News
The viral infection "is endemic over this period in the eastern district of the country", including the third largest city, Kenema, and the outlying towns of Tongo Field and Panguma in the diamond mining belt, Kabia said.
"We are studying the current situation and compiling reports on a possible outbreak as between January and February, the disease is at its peak with the preparation of farming activities," the minister told AFP in an interview.
He explained that when farmers were clearing and burning the brush, "the bush rats who carry the virus take cover in residential homes," then "people come in contact with the virus through excreta and urine of the bush rats and in some cases, people feed on these rats and are then exposed to the complications."
Preventive measures taken include the establishment of a remedial centre in Kenema, with aid from the UN World Health Organisation (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme and a British non-governmental organisation, Merlin.
"It is a disease to take seriously because of its high rate of mortality," Kabia warned. "If it is not acted on, 90 percent of unborn babies as well as suckling and pregnant women will be at risk."
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