ABSTRACT
Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus which is transmitted to human beings from the rodent reservoir host, Mastomys natalensis, by direct contact with infected tissues or indirectly, possibly by food contaminated with excreta, and possibly by aerosols arising from these animals. S. M. Buckley and J. Casals isolated and characterized the virus. Study of the virus was stopped at the Yale Arbovirus Unit but resumed in a high security laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Portals of entry of the virus appear to be cuts or abrasions of the skin, the upper respiratory tract, and possibly the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The specific diagnosis is readily made by the isolation and identification of the virus. This is usually done by the inoculation of blood from the patient into Vero cell cultures. Supportive treatment includes restoration of blood losses and maintenance of plasma volume, blood pressure, and electrolytes.
