What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?
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Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, presents a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity. This article synthesizes the key symptoms associated with Lassa fever based on multiple research studies.
Early Symptoms: Fever, Weakness, and Myositis
The onset of Lassa fever is typically gradual, beginning with non-specific symptoms such as fever, general weakness, and muscle inflammation (myositis). These early symptoms can often be mistaken for other common illnesses, making early diagnosis challenging.
Flu-like Symptoms: Chills, Malaise, and Headaches
As the disease progresses, patients often experience flu-like symptoms including chills, malaise, and headaches. These symptoms are accompanied by muscle aches, which are common in many viral infections.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal symptoms are also prevalent in Lassa fever cases. Patients frequently report nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain . These symptoms can contribute to significant discomfort and complicate the clinical picture.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Symptoms: Cough, Sore Throat, and Myocarditis
Respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat are common, and in severe cases, the virus can cause inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) . These symptoms indicate the virus's ability to affect multiple organ systems.
Hemorrhagic Symptoms: Poor Coagulation and Bleeding
In the terminal stages of Lassa fever, patients may exhibit poor blood coagulation, increased vascular permeability, and hemorrhagic symptoms such as bleeding from various orifices (mouth, nose, ears, anus, and vagina) . These symptoms are indicative of the severe impact of the virus on the body's ability to manage blood clotting.
Neurological Symptoms: Encephalopathy and Neurological Impairment
Neurological symptoms, although less common in the early stages, can occur in severe cases. These include encephalopathy and other neurological impairments, which are associated with higher mortality rates . The presence of these symptoms often signifies a more severe progression of the disease.
Pulmonary Symptoms: Respiratory Distress and Pulmonary Edema
Lassa fever can also affect the pulmonary system, leading to symptoms such as respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and interstitial pneumonitis. These complications can further exacerbate the patient's condition and require specialized respiratory support.
Conclusion
Lassa fever presents a complex array of symptoms that can affect multiple organ systems. Early symptoms include fever, weakness, and myositis, progressing to more severe manifestations such as gastrointestinal distress, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, hemorrhagic symptoms, and neurological impairments. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of the disease.
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