Lassa fever (patient information): Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
==What causes Lassa fever?== | ==What causes Lassa fever?== | ||
* Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the Arenaviridae family. | * Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the [[Arenaviridae]] family. | ||
* The reservoir, or host, of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the "multimammate rat" (Mastomys natalensis). Once infected, this rodent is able to excrete virus in urine for an extended time period, maybe for the rest of its life. Mastomys rodents breed frequently, produce large numbers of offspring, and are numerous in the savannas and forests of west, central, and east Africa. In addition, Mastomys readily colonize human homes and areas where food is stored. All of these factors contribute to the relatively efficient spread of Lassa virus from infected rodents to humans. | * The [[reservoir]], or [[host]], of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the "multimammate rat" (Mastomys natalensis). Once infected, this [[rodent]] is able to excrete [[virus]] in [[urine]] for an extended time period, maybe for the rest of its life. Mastomys rodents breed frequently, produce large numbers of offspring, and are numerous in the savannas and forests of west, central, and east Africa. In addition, Mastomys readily colonize human homes and areas where food is stored. All of these factors contribute to the relatively efficient [[spread]] of Lassa virus from [[infected rodents]]] to [[humans]]. | ||
* [[Transmission]] of Lassa virus to [[humans]] occurs most commonly through [[ingestion]] or [[inhalation]]. Mastomysrodents shed the [[virus]] in [[urine]] and droppings and [[direct contact]] with these materials, through touching soiled objects, eating contaminated [[food]], or exposure to open [[cuts]] or [[sores]], can lead to [[infection]]. | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
Revision as of 03:14, 1 June 2015
|
Lassa fever |
|
Lassa fever On the Web |
|---|
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?
- Mild symptoms include slight fever, general malaise and weakness, and headache. In 20% of infected individuals, however, disease may progress to more serious symptoms including hemorrhaging (in gums, eyes, or nose, as examples), respiratory distress, repeated vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen, and shock. Neurological problems have also been described, including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis. Death may occur within two weeks after symptom onset due to multi-organ failure.
What causes Lassa fever?
- Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the Arenaviridae family.
- The reservoir, or host, of Lassa virus is a rodent known as the "multimammate rat" (Mastomys natalensis). Once infected, this rodent is able to excrete virus in urine for an extended time period, maybe for the rest of its life. Mastomys rodents breed frequently, produce large numbers of offspring, and are numerous in the savannas and forests of west, central, and east Africa. In addition, Mastomys readily colonize human homes and areas where food is stored. All of these factors contribute to the relatively efficient spread of Lassa virus from infected rodents] to humans.
- Transmission of Lassa virus to humans occurs most commonly through ingestion or inhalation. Mastomysrodents shed the virus in urine and droppings and direct contact with these materials, through touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food, or exposure to open cuts or sores, can lead to infection.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Lassa fever?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lassa fever