Lassa hemorrhagic fever: a comprehensive review on re-emerging infectious diseases

• Sumira Malik
• Deep A.
• Bora J.
• Mondal S.
• Agrawal S.
• Ramniwas S.
• Nag S.
• Rustagi S.
• Barman I.

Abstract

Lassa haemorrhagic fever (LHF) is a common disease affecting a large proportion of the population, approximately 2-3 million people in the West African region. The infection, which originates from rodents, affects local populations and healthcare workers who are at risk. In enzootic areas, LHF is deemed to be a public health threat and results in significant morbidity and mortality, with an incidence of ≥50%. The disease is widespread in West Africa and is one of the most common and life-threatening viral hemorrhagic fevers. Monitoring and preventing recurrent outbreaks is challenging in enzootic regions due to the lack of health facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and healthcare centers. The low socio-economic standard of living of the population is also relevant. Lack of public awareness and the existence of an ecological niche for Mastomys natalensis (Natal multimammate mouse), the natural host and reservoir of Lassa virus supports the epidemic process of LHF. The presented study focuses on early diagnosis and treatment, need for LHF vaccines is highlighted, the lack of which affects efficacy of preventive and anti-epidemic measures.

Keywords:Lassa fever; epidemic; epidemiological analysis; pathogenesis; vaccine; prevention

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