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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Lassa Fever: A Mini Review of Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment

Ubogun Ogheneakpobor Efe, Efeisi Oreva Edward, Adigwe Augustina Chinaza, Okobah Chidinma Emmanuella, Ntugba Joy Chidinma

Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases · pp. 7–13 · Published 23 Jul 2024

10.9734/ajrid/2024/v15i8363

Abstract

Lassa virus (LASV) is an enveloped single stranded RNA virus that results in Lassa fever (LF). The causative organism belongs to the Arenavirus genus. Since it's initial diagnosis in 1969 in Lassa town Nigeria, numerous endemic outbreaks have occurred with spread to other regions in Africa and beyond. LF is transmitted via rodent to human and human-to-human transmissions, with rodents being the reservoir of infection. Risk factors for the disease include residing in an endemic area with poor sanitation and overcrowding, close contact with infected individuals and being a health care worker. About 80% of infected patients do not develop symptoms but the remaining develop a multisystem disease, where up to 15% die in-hospital care with its hallmark symptom being bleeding especially from body orifices. This review will introduce a general overview of Lassa fever and describe the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever patients. It will also provide a means to raise awareness among healthcare workers. Furthermore, our review focuses on the most up-to-date clinical information for the effective management, prevention and counseling of Lassa fever patients.

RNA virus lassa fever lipid membrane mammarenaviridae viral hemorrhagic fever

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Cited by 2

Lassa fever: A comprehensive review of virology, clinical management, and global health implications

Praveen Kumar Uppala, Sita Kumari Karanam, Naga Vishnu Kandra · World Journal of Virology · 2025

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