Epidemiology of Lassa Fever

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/82_2021_234. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLassa fever (LF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease primarily concentrated in the tropical savannah regions of Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Endemic hotspots within these countries have had recurrent exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) via continual spillover from the host reservoir Mastomys natalensis. Increased trade and travel throughout the region have spread the virus to previously unexposed countries, including Ghana, Benin, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire. In the absence of effective treatment or vaccines to LASV, preventative measures against Lassa fever rely heavily on reducing or eliminating rodent exposure, increasing the knowledge base surrounding the virus and disease in communities, and diminishing the stigmas faced by Lassa fever survivors.PMID:33861373 | DOI:10.1007/82_2021_234
Source: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Source Type: research