Jornal de doenças infecciosas e patologia

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Lassa Fever Unraveling the Mysteries of a Neglected Disease

Olivia Elizabeth

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that is endemic in West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and others. The disease is caused by the Lassa virus, which is a member of the Arenaviridae family. Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 when it was named after the town of Lassa in Nigeria, where it was first discovered. Transmission, Lassa virus is primarily transmitted to humans from contact with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as through contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms: Lassa fever can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.