Lassa fever – Nigeria
- May 30, 2021
- < 1 min read
5 new cases of Lassa Fever were detected in Edo State, Nigeria. This brings the total number of infections since the beginning of the year to 286.
No details are provided on the source or symptoms.
5 new cases in the week of May 30th. Total of 286 cases since the beginning of 2021. Currently, 58 deaths.
No government recommendations.
Photo: Lassa fever virus – Electron micrograph
Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF), is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. Many of those infected by the virus do not develop symptoms but for 1 percent of those infected, death occurs in the first two weeks. The disease is usually initially spread to people via contact with the urine or feces of an infected mouse. Spread can then further continue between people.
There is no vaccine. Prevention requires isolating those who are infected and decreasing contact with mice.
Descriptions of the disease date from the 1950s. The virus was first described in 1969 from a case in the town of Lassa, in Borno State, Nigeria. Lassa fever is relatively common in West Africa.
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