RNA virus of arenaviridae family
Endemic to parts of West Africa
100,000-300,000 infections every year
Animal vector:  Multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis)
A type of viral hemorrhagic fever
100,000-300,000 infections every year
Infected Multimammate rats shed virus in urine and droppings
Inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact of excrement or soiled food
Direct contact with bodily fluids of infected human
Lassa fever
Normal causes of acute fever!
Chikungunya
Malaria
Dengue
Typhoid fever
Leptospirosis
Rift valley fever