​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Lassa Fever (Lassa Fever Virus)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Lassa Fever (Lassa Fever Virus) 
Lassa Fever 
The Lassa fever virus, a member of the arenavirus family, is the cause of Lassa fever, a viral zoonosis. The Lassa virus is spread by direct contact with the excrement of infected rodents or by inhaling aerosolized particles. Lassa fever can also transfer between individuals by direct contact with an infected person's blood, tissue, secretions, or excretions. The rodent reservoir for infection is the field rat. West Africa is home to the endemic Lassa fever. The hospitalized patient's case mortality rate ranges from 15% to 20%.

Fever, myalgia, and severe prostration are the hallmarks of severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa fever virus. CNS and hemorrhagic symptoms appear later. Typical side effects include spontaneous abortion and hearing loss.

 The Lassa virus enters the body through skin abrasions or inhalation, replicates in local lymph nodes, and then causes viremia. Once inside macrophages, the virus travels throughout the body. The release of cytokines by infected macrophages is linked to mortality and adds to disease.

 The usual laboratory approach for diagnosis is serologic testing for IgM or IgG specific to the Lassa virus.
Patients with severe Lassa fever respond well to therapy with ribavirin. It has been discovered that convalescent serum from individuals who have recovered from the illness can be helpful in some situations. There isn't a vaccine available. Strict infection control procedures and rodent management are crucial for prevention.

Symptoms and Signs of Lassa Fever