Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that occurs in West
Africa. The illness was discovered in 1969 when two missionary nurses died in
Nigeria, West Africa. The cause of the illness was found to be Lassa virus,
named after the town in Nigeria where the first cases originated. While Lassa
fever is mild or has no observable symptoms in about 80% of people infected
with the virus, the remaining 20% have a severe multi-system disease. Lassa
fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the
case-fatality rate can reach 50%. (Source: CDC).
In Nigeria alone, 17 states are already affected with 62
lives claimed. The current mortality rate in Nigeria stands at 43.2%, which is
quite high. Symptoms of the illness range from fever symptoms to retrosternal
pain (pain behind the chest wall), sore throat, back pain, cough, abdominal
pain, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, proteinuria (protein
in the urine), and mucosal bleeding.
Immunity levels have been found to be a major determining
factor in recovery from any illness. Include these foods to daily meals and get
the boost needed. We urge you to fortify your body with these foods;
