1 https www.who.int en news room fact sheets detail lassa fever

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Lassa fever, here are some key points:

What is Lassa fever?

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, particularly the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis).

Symptoms

The symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• In severe cases, Lassa fever can cause:
  • Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • Cardiac problems
  • Respiratory distress

Transmission

Lassa fever is transmitted to humans through:

• Contact with infected rodents, their urine, or feces
• Contaminated food or water
• Direct contact with an infected person's blood, sweat, or saliva
• Vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth

Risk factors

The risk of contracting Lassa fever is higher in:

• People who live in or visit areas where the virus is common (West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Mali)
• People who have contact with rodents or their urine or feces
• People who have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications)
• Pregnant women and their unborn babies

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is typically made through laboratory tests, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Treatment is primarily supportive, including:

• Rest and hydration
• Pain management
• Antiviral medications (in severe cases)
• Blood transfusions (in severe cases)

Prevention

Prevention measures include:

• Avoiding contact with rodents and their urine or feces
• Wearing protective clothing and gloves when handling food or waste
• Storing food and water in rodent-proof containers
• Avoiding direct contact with an infected person's blood, sweat, or saliva
• Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly

Vaccination

There is no licensed vaccine against Lassa fever, but several vaccines are being developed and tested.

Global response

The WHO and other international organizations are working to:

• Monitor and respond to outbreaks
• Develop diagnostic tests and treatments
• Conduct research on the virus and its transmission
• Provide technical assistance and support to affected countries

References

• World Health Organization. (2022). Lassa fever. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lassa-fever
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Lassa Fever. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/lassa/index.html

Please note that this summary is based on the WHO fact sheet and may not include all the latest information or updates.