A case of Lassa fever: clinical and virological findings. Issue 6347 (9th October 1982)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emond, R T; Bannister, B; Lloyd, G; Southee, T J; Bowen, E T
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 285:Issue 6347(1982)
• Page Start: 1001
• Page End: 1002
• Publication Date: 1982-10-09
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.285.6347.1001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Five days after arriving in London from Jos a young Nigerian women developed a severe and prolonged illness that proved to be Lassa fever. Virus was not detected in urine during the first three weeks but then appeared and reached a peak during the sixth week, with continuing excretion for 67 days after the onset of illness. Laboratory investigations showed evidence of extensive tissue damage and disturbance of clotting, but there was no serious bleeding and she eventually made a complete recovery despite a high sustained viraemia and severe liver damage. Convalescent serum was used in treatment but it was difficult to assess its contribution to the favourable outcome.