Viruses

Under the Radar: Lassa Fever

Author Stephen A. Berger, MD , 13-Oct-2020

Lassa Fever in Nigeria is a paradigm for Infectious Disease outbreaks that continue to threaten massive populations “under the radar” during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 3, 2020, a total of 1,112 fatal cases of COVID-19 had been reported in Nigeria.

 

In terms of population size, the statistical likelihood of dying from this disease in Nigeria or Singapore is exactly the same. But then…nobody in Singapore is dying these days from Lassa Fever.   

What is Lassa Fever?

 

The disease was first recognized in 1969 in northeastern Nigeria. The virus is acquired from African rodents and their secretions, primarily the Multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), its natural reservoir. A secondary person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with infected bodily fluids.

The illness is characterized by fever, pharyngitis, headache, chest pain, and diarrhea. 

Leukopenia, proteinuria, and hepatic dysfunction may also be present. Permanent hearing loss is common – this disease is the most common cause of acquired deafness in West Africa. Reported case-fatality rates range between 15-25%.

 

Distribution

 

It is estimated that as many as 500,000 individuals are infected in West Africa each year, resulting in 5,000 deaths. During the past 50 years, at least 88 travelers have returned home to other countries with this disease – including 11 importations into the United States. 

An ongoing outbreak of Lassa Fever continues in Nigeria well into 2020 – with 5,527 cases (222 fatal) reported as of August 16…all against the background of COVID-19.

 

Lassa Fever outbreaks map 2018-2020

Recent Lassa Fever outbreaks map, 2018-2020, GIDEON

The GIDEON Difference

 

GIDEON is one of the most well-known and comprehensive global databases for infectious diseases. Data is refreshed daily, and the GIDEON API allows medical professionals and researchers access to a continuous stream of data. Whether your research involves quantifying data, learning about specific microbes, or testing out differential diagnosis tools– GIDEON has you covered with a program that has met standards for accessibility excellence.

You can also review our eBooks on Lassa Fever, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Rift Valley Fever, and more. Or check out our global status updates on countries like South Korea, Peru, Nigeria, and more!

Author
Stephen A. Berger, MD

Stephen A. Berger, M.D. is affiliated with the Tel Aviv Medical Center, where he has served as Director of both Geographic Medicine and Clinical Microbiology. He also holds an appointment as Emeritus Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tel-Aviv School of Medicine. Dr. Berger co-founded GIDEON Informatics, developers of the GIDEON (Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Online Network) web app, and the GIDEON series of ebooks.

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