Lassa fever is an acute viral illness of one
to four weeks duration caused by Lassa virus, which is carried by rodents.
Consequences range widely in severity, from asymptomatic infection without illness to
extremely severe illness which may have a fatal outcome.
The anti-viral drug ribavirin is a specific and effective treatment if given within the
first six days of illness.
Lassa fever occurs only in West Africa (e.g., Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and regions of
Nigeria).
There is a no vaccine currently available. |
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