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Essay Archive - Lassa Fever: An Old World Arenavirus
Lassa Fever: An Old World Arenavirus
A brief summary of lassa fever, its history, pathology and effects on the
indigenous populations. Also, lassa fever in the context of newly emerging
diseases.
LASSA FEVER
On January 12, 1969, a missionary nun, working in the small town of
Lassa, Nigeria, began complaining of a backache. Thinking she had merely pulled
a muscle, she ignored the pain and went on about her business. After a week,
however, the nurse had a throat so sore and so filled with ulcers, she couldn't
swallow. Thinking she was suffering from one of the many bacterial diseases
end....
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