Tessy IgomuExperts have warned that if persons who have been treated for Lassa fever engage in unprotected sex within six weeks of surviving the infection, they risk transmitting the virus to others. Director of Research and Head, Microbiology Department, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Dr. Rosemary Audu, disclosed this to PUNCH HealthWise on Thursday sequel to the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Olokoro community, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. Audu warned that the chances of Lassa fever survivors spreading the virus after their discharge are high, saying they are “viable carriers” of the virus six weeks after they may have completed their treatment. According to the expert, a cross-sectional study carried out on Lassa fever patients within an average of six weeks after they had been discharged, showed the patients still tested positive to the virus. She said, “It is possible that patients could still be transmitting the virus while recovering.

Source: Punch January 25, 2020 12:39 UTC