Chapter 25, Problem 5TMW

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason why zoonotic viruses are more difficult to eradicate than viruses that only infect humans.

Concept introduction:

Zoonotic diseases, such as Lassa fever endemic to Lassa in Nigeria, cause haemorrhagic fever and lymphatic choriomeningitis to the indigenous residents. Viruses that are responsible for such diseases are known to infect rodents, including pet hamsters. These viruses can enter a human body through inhalation or by being consumed with contaminated food. They can also transmit via body fluid from one person to the other.