LASSA FEVER "THE DISEASE THAT IS THREATING A WHOLE NATION''
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Outbreaks and History of Infection.
Lassa fever was first recognized in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. In some parts of Sierra Leone and Liberia, 10% to 16% of all patients admitted to hospitals have Lassa fever. Some Lassa fever cases have been "imported" into the U.S. and U.K. through viremic travelers who acquired the disease elsewhere.
Lassa fever was first recognized in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. In some parts of Sierra Leone and Liberia, 10% to 16% of all patients admitted to hospitals have Lassa fever. Some Lassa fever cases have been "imported" into the U.S. and U.K. through viremic travelers who acquired the disease elsewhere.
A few notes on outbreaks:
- 1969, northern Nigeria - first recognized outbreak of the disease.
- 1970 to present, Liberia. Most cases were hospital workers who acquired the disease in the hospital from the index patient.
- 1970 to present, Sierra Leone. It is estimated that 6% of all residents in the initial endemic area have antibodies to Lassa Fever, even though only 0.2% were recognized as clinically ill.
- Estimated 100,000-300,000 infections per year in West Africa.
- 1969, northern Nigeria - first recognized outbreak of the disease.
- 1970 to present, Liberia. Most cases were hospital workers who acquired the disease in the hospital from the index patient.
- 1970 to present, Sierra Leone. It is estimated that 6% of all residents in the initial endemic area have antibodies to Lassa Fever, even though only 0.2% were recognized as clinically ill.
- Estimated 100,000-300,000 infections per year in West Africa.
About 2/3 of all reported cases are women, but this might be a result of exposure, rather than a tendency toward greater susceptibility in women to the disease.
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Vaccine. No vaccine is currently available. However, the most promising approach to developing a vaccine appears to be via vaccinia-vectored Lassa genes. These have been protective in both guinea pigs and nonhuman primates.
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Odds 'n' Ends. Studies with rodents have shown that infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or Tacaribe can confer protection against normally lethal attacks of Lassa virus.
This disease is a big threat to some countries in Africa especially Nigeria which is believe to be where the virus came from. It is said and believe that it kills faster than aids. Don't know if the poor will survive because most of the people living in rural areas of the countries cant really afford most of the warning by the government. While also there major food had been seize from their mouth.
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