DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Lassa Fever

HIGH SEVERITY

A viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa, caused by Lassa virus. Transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces. Person-to-person transmission possible. Affects approximately 100,000-300,000 people annually with 5,000 deaths.

Global Affected

200.0K

Countries

15

Symptoms

Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Cough
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Chest pain
Facial swelling
Bleeding (gums, nose)
Hearing loss
Shock
Seizures
Tremors
Encephalitis
Multi-organ failure

Treatment Options

Ribavirin (antiviral)
Supportive care
IV fluids
Electrolyte management
Blood transfusion
Dialysis (if needed)
Treatment of secondary infections
Isolation precautions
Hearing aids (for survivors)
Intensive care (severe cases)

Risk Factors

1Contact with multimammate rats
2Living in endemic areas
3Poor sanitation
4Food contamination by rodents
5Person-to-person contact
6Healthcare worker exposure
7Bushmeat consumption
8Inadequate infection control

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1RT-PCR
  • 2Lassa virus antigen detection
  • 3Serological tests (IgM, IgG)
  • 4Viral culture
  • 5Clinical evaluation
  • 6Epidemiological link

Prognosis

Variable. 80% have mild or no symptoms. Severe cases have 15-20% mortality. Ribavirin reduces mortality if given early. Hearing loss occurs in 25% of survivors and may be permanent. Recovery may take months. Reinfection possible but usually milder.

Prevention

  • Rodent control
  • Proper food storage
  • Good hygiene practices
  • Isolation of patients
  • Contact tracing
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Safe burial practices
  • Health education
  • Surveillance programs

Research Status

Ribavirin effective if given early. Supportive care essential. Isolation precautions. Contact tracing. Rodent control. No vaccine available yet but research ongoing. Case fatality rate 1% overall, 15-20% in hospitalized patients. Hearing loss common complication (survivors).

Affected Countries

BFBJCIGhanaGMGNJapanLRMaliMRNENigeriaSLSenegalTG

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/lassa-fever
  • https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/lassa
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lassa-fever

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.