What are the epidemiology of Lassa fever?
About 100,000 to 300,000 infections of Lassa fever occur annually, with about 5,000 deaths. Surveillance for Lassa fever varies between locations so these estimates are crude. In some areas of Sierra Leone and Liberia, about 10-16% of people admitted to hospitals annually have Lassa fever.
Is Lassa fever notifiable?
How is Lassa fever diagnosed? Lassa fever is a notifiable disease in many countries. For example, in the UK suspected and confirmed cases should be reported to Public Health England (PHE), and in the US to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What is the history of Lassa fever?
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. The virus is named after the town in Nigeria where the first cases occurred.
Where was Lassa fever first discovered in Nigeria?
Lassa fever was first reported in the town of Lassa, Borno State in Nigeria, in 1969.
Is Lassa fever endemic or epidemic?
Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and the annual peak of Lassa fever cases is typically observed during the dry season (December–April). Thus, the number of infections is expected to rise further until the end of the dry season. While endemic in Nigeria, cases are much higher than the previous epidemic seasons.
How is Lassa fever diagnosis?
Lassa fever is most often diagnosed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA), which detect IgM and IgG antibodies as well as Lassa antigen. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used in the early stage of disease.
What kind of rat causes Lassa fever?
The reservoir, or host, of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis). Once infected, this rodent is able to excrete virus in urine for an extended time period, maybe for the rest of its life.
Who discovered Lassa?
The Yale epidemiologist who discovered Lassa fever in 1969 very nearly died of what was then a mystery illness while he was investigating it. Dr Jordi Casals-Ariet was studying the blood samples of three US missionary nurses who had become seriously ill while visiting northern Nigeria.
What kills Lassa fever?
Treatment and prophylaxis The antiviral drug ribavirin seems to be an effective treatment for Lassa fever if given early on in the course of clinical illness.