Lassa virus-infected rodents in refugee camps in Guinea: a looming threat to public health in a politically unstable region

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2007 Summer;7(2):167-71. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2006.0581.

Abstract

Rodent-borne and other communicable diseases are of particular concern to vulnerable populations in complex humanitarian emergencies. We assessed the risk of Lassa fever to refugees and humanitarian aid workers in the Forest Region of Guinea by trapping rodents and testing them for the presence of Lassa virus infection. Our study provides a point prevalence of Lassa virus-infected rodents in various refugee camps in Guinea, suggesting that the risk of disease may be highest in camps further south toward the border with Liberia. The methodology used represents a potential model for rapid public health assessments in the setting of complex humanitarian emergencies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Guinea
  • Humans
  • Lassa Fever / epidemiology
  • Lassa Fever / transmission*
  • Lassa Fever / veterinary
  • Lassa virus / immunology
  • Lassa virus / isolation & purification*
  • Male
  • Murinae / virology*
  • Public Health*
  • Refugees
  • Rodent Diseases / epidemiology
  • Rodent Diseases / transmission*
  • Rodentia
  • Seasons
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral