Lassa fever historical perspective

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Lassa hemorrhagic fever; LHF

Overview

The first case of documented Lassa fever was reported in 1969 following the death of 2 nurses in Lassa, Nigeria.[1]Prior to that, similar cases in West Africa were reported and thought to be caused by Lassa fever given the clinical and epidemiological resemblance of the presentation to Lassa fever.

Historical Perspective

• In 1955-1956, epidemics with clinical and epidemiological resemblance to Lassa fever were reported in Eastern Province and Sierra Leone.
• The first case of documented Lassa fever was reported in 1969 following the death of 2 nurses in Lassa, Nigeria. Prior to that, similar cases in West Africa were reported and thought to be caused by Lassa fever given the clinical and epidemiological resemblance of the presentation to Lassa fever.

• Administration of ribavirin for the treatment of Lassa fever was first introduced by Joe McCormick in 1979.
• Lassa fever is uncommon outside West Africa. Only 6 patients with Lassa fever have historically been hospitalized in USA (all 6 patients had recently traveled to West Africa). The most recent case of Lassa fever in USA was reported in May 2015.

A physician examining a patient with Lassa fever patient in West Africa in 1977.
^{Image retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Lassa Fever History}