Lassa Fever

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Described 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria.
    • Arenavirus genus member, single-stranded RNA virus
      • Old World member, part of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus [LCMV]/Lassa complex
  • Zoonosis: is endemic, persistent, with asymptomatic infection in rodent populations ["multimammate rat" (Mastomys natalensis)] within West Africa.
    • Infected rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings, which can be aerosolized.

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