Pathophysiology and treatment of Lassa fever.

Abstract

Infection with Lassa virus in humans may take many forms. Such infections are often asymptomatic, but in those who become ill, the disease can range from an uncomplicated fever of unknown origin to a fulminating hemorrhagic disease. Following an incubation period of 7–14 days, onset is typically insidious. As the disease progresses, patients usually develop pharyngitis, which is often purulent and accompanied by headache, fever, myalgia, back or abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Despite severe prostration most patients recover spontaneously. Some patients, however, deteriorate rapidly, developing facial and neck edema, respiratory distress, oliguria or anuria, and finally hypovolemic shock that responds poorly to fluid replacement (Mccormick et al. 1987 a).