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Lassa Fever


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												Primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with *Mastomys* rodents, especially in the geographic regions where outbreaks occur. Putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes. Using these rodents as a food source is not recommended. Trapping in and around homes can help reduce rodent populations; however, the wide distribution of *Mastomys* in Africa makes complete control of this rodent reservoir impractical.
When caring for patients with Lassa fever, further transmission of the disease through person-to-person contact or nosocomial routes can be avoided by taking preventive precautions against contact with patient secretions (called VHF isolation precautions or barrier nursing methods). Such precautions include wearing protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles; using infection control measures, such as complete equipment sterilization; and isolating infected patients from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course.
Further, educating people in high-risk areas about ways to decrease rodent populations in their homes will aid in the control and prevention of Lassa fever. Other challenges include developing more rapid diagnostic tests and increasing the availability of the only known drug treatment, ribavirin. Research is presently under way to develop a vaccine for Lassa fever.

			
							
								Page last reviewed:  March 25, 2014						Content source:  	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP), Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB) homeLassa Fever
Transmission
Signs & Symptoms
Risk of Exposure
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Outbreak Distribution Map
Resourcesplus icon
Training: The Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of Lassa Fever: Information for Medical Providers
Training: Diagnosing and Treating Lassa Fever: Information for Medical Providers
Travelers: U.S. Cases About VSPB (Viral Special Pathogens Branch)


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