How do you test for Lassa fever?

How do you test for Lassa fever?

Lassa fever is most often diagnosed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA), which detect IgM and IgG antibodies as well as Lassa antigen. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used in the early stage of disease.

What BSL is the Lassa virus?

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What temperature kills Lassa virus?

Nevertheless, the virus is stable at room temperature and pH range of 5.5–8.5, but heating at 50, 56, 60, and 100 °C inactivates the pathogen within an hour, 30, 15, and 2 min, respectively. Also, the exposure of Lassa virus to acidic and basic solutions above pH 5.4 and 8.6 levels neutralizes its infectivity.

What is the incubation period of Lassa fever?

The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from 6–21 days. The onset of the disease, when it is symptomatic, is usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow.

How can we control Lassa fever?

Prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good “community hygiene” to discourage rodents from entering homes. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats.

What are the differential diagnosis of Lassa fever?

Viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, rheumatic fever, typhus, and mononucleosis can produce signs and symptoms that may be in the differential diagnosis of with Lassa fever in the early stages of infection.

Is Lassa fever real?

Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness. It is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. Neighboring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector for Lassa virus, the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis) is distributed throughout the region.

What is the difference between BSL 1 and BSL-2?

The main difference in the work procedures followed in a BSL-1 laboratory and a BSL-2 laboratory is that employees in a BSL-2 laboratory will use a BSC as a primary barrier for potentially hazardous aerosols. The laboratory should be easy to clean and decontaminate.

Can Lassa fever be cured?

What is the treatment for Lassa fever? Ribavirin given intravenously and early in the course of illness is an effective treatment, in addition to support of fluid and electrolytes, oxygenation, and blood pressure.

Is Lassa fever curable?

Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used with success in Lassa fever patients. It has been shown to be most effective when given early in the course of the illness.

Is Lassa fever treatable?

How can one contact Lassa fever?

Transmission of Lassa virus to humans occurs most commonly through ingestion or inhalation. Mastomys rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings and direct contact with these materials, through touching soiled objects, eating contaminated food, or exposure to open cuts or sores, can lead to infection.

What is the diagnostic test for Lassa fever?

Diagnosis. Lassa fever is most often diagnosed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA), which detect IgM and IgG antibodies as well as Lassa antigen. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be used in the early stage of disease. The virus itself may be cultured in 7 to 10 days,…

Who is at greatest risk for Lassa fever?

People at greatest risk are those who live in West Africa, an endemic region for Lassa fever… Typically Lassa fever is diagnosed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assays (ELISA)…

The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from 6–21 days. The onset of the disease, when it is symptomatic, is usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise.

What is French Lassa fever?

French Lassa fever is an animal-borne, or zoonotic, acute viral illness. It is endemic in parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. Neighboring countries are also at risk, as the animal vector for Lassa virus, the “multimammate rat” (Mastomys natalensis) is distributed throughout the region.