Rat-Borne Viral Disease

The NIH announced the beginning of a phase 1 first-in-human trial of a vaccine for Lassa fever, a potentially fatal viral hemorrhagic disease for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness, or CEPI, is funding a project to develop on-the-spot rapid tests for Nipah virus and Lassa fever to better monitor outbreaks of both diseases, the organization announced.