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. 2017 Apr;96(4):944-946.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0821. Epub 2017 Jan 16.

Annual Incidence of Lassa Virus Infection in Southern Mali

David Safronetz  1   2 , Nafomon Sogoba  3 , Sory Ibrahim Diawara  3 , Sidy Bane  3 , Kyle Rosenke  4 , Ousmane Maiga  3 , Matt Boisen  5 , Robert F Garry  6 , Luis M Branco  5 , L Robbin Lindsay  1   2 , Sékou F Traoré  3 , Heinz Feldmann  1   4 , Seydou Doumbia  3
Affiliations

Annual Incidence of Lassa Virus Infection in Southern Mali

David Safronetz et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

AbstractPreviously, we reported a high seroprevalence rate of Lassa virus antibodies in inhabitants of three villages in southern Mali where infected rodents have been demonstrated. Herein, we report a 1-year follow-up study in which we were able to collect a second blood samples from 88.7% of participants of the same cohort. We identified 23 seroconversions for IgG antibodies reactive against Lassa virus, representing an incidence of 6.3% (95% confidence interval = 3.8-8.8%). Seroconversion was frequently seen in preteenage children (12/23, 51.7%) and two household/familial clusters were identified. These results confirm active transmission of Lassa virus is occurring in southern Mali and appropriate diagnostic testing should be established for this etiological agent of severe viral hemorrhagic fever.

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