Lassa
Lassa
Lassa (pronounced: /ˈlæsə/) is a term often associated with the Lassa virus and Lassa fever, both of which are named after the town of Lassa in Nigeria where the virus was first identified.
Etymology
The term "Lassa" is derived from the town of Lassa in Nigeria. The Lassa virus was first identified in 1969 when two missionary nurses died in Lassa, Nigeria. Since then, the virus and the associated fever have been named after the town.
Lassa Virus
The Lassa virus is an arenavirus that causes Lassa fever, a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in humans and other primates. Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of the Mastomys rat. The virus can also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever.
Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that occurs in West Africa. The disease is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces. Symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur 1-3 weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. These may include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and muscle pains. In severe cases, it can cause hemorrhaging and shock.
Related Terms
- Arenavirus: A genus of viruses to which the Lassa virus belongs.
- Mastomys: A genus of rodents in Africa, also known as the "multimammate rat," which is the primary host of the Lassa virus.
- Viral hemorrhagic fever: A severe illness often associated with fever and bleeding disorders, caused by viruses like the Lassa virus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lassa
- Wikipedia's article - Lassa
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