Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by Lassa virus, a member of the Arenaviridae family.
Lassa fever occurs in West Africa, where the virus is endemic. Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces.
Lassa fever is a severe, often fatal, disease that affects multiple organs and results in bleeding from the mucous membranes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Lassa fever is treated with ribavirin, an antiviral medication. There is no specific vaccine for Lassa fever, but avoidance of contact with rodents is the best prevention strategy.