Lassa virus

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Lassa Virus

Lassa virus (LAV) is an arenavirus that causes Lassa fever, an acute and often fatal illness that is endemic to West Africa. The virus is named after the town of Lassa, in Nigeria, where it was first identified in 1969.

Pronunciation

Lassa virus: /ˈlɑːsə ˈvaɪrəs/

Etymology

The term "Lassa" is derived from the town of Lassa in Nigeria, where the virus was first identified. The term "virus" comes from the Latin virus meaning poison or venom.

Description

Lassa virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Arenaviridae. It is zoonotic, or animal-borne, and can be transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta. The virus is also transmitted through direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily secretions of a person with Lassa fever.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur 1-3 weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. These may include fever, sore throat, muscle and chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure may occur.

Related Terms

  • Arenaviridae: The family of viruses to which Lassa virus belongs.
  • Lassa fever: The disease caused by the Lassa virus.
  • Zoonotic: Pertaining to a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

External links

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