Lassa Virus in Pygmy Mice, Benin, 2016-2017.

Anges Yadouleton,Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet,Sophie Duraffour,Anke Thielebein,Jean-Pierre Baptiste,Fernand Gbaguidi,N’Faly Magassouba,Achaz Agolinou,Fodé Kourouma,Beate Becker-Ziaja,Sonia Kossou Bedié,Honoré Bankolé,Stephan Günther,Meike Pahlmann,Raoul Saizonou

doi:10.3201/eid2510.180523

Abstract

Lassa virus has been identified in 3 pygmy mice, Mus baoulei, in central Benin. The glycoprotein and nucleoprotein sequences cluster with the Togo strain. These mice may be a new reservoir for Lassa virus in Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

Highlights

Lassa virus has been identified in 3 pygmy mice, Mus baoulei, in central Benin
During January–February 2016, a second outbreak with 11 confirmed cases of Lassa fever occurred in the communes of Tchaourou and Parakou, department of Borgou, central Benin
The surprising finding was the scarcity of M. natalensis mice, the most probable reservoir of Lassa virus (LASV); we trapped only 3 of these mice inside and 3 outside

Summary

Introduction

Lassa virus has been identified in 3 pygmy mice, Mus baoulei, in central Benin. The glycoprotein and nucleoprotein sequences cluster with the Togo strain. Lassa fever has recently emerged in Benin and Togo, where it had been unknown until 2014. During January–February 2016, a second outbreak with 11 confirmed cases of Lassa fever occurred in the communes of Tchaourou and Parakou, department of Borgou, central Benin.

Results

Conclusion