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Lassa fever — DTM&H MCQ

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ModerateTropical viral infectionsLassa feverDTM&H

A 30-year-old trader from Sierra Leone has fever, pharyngitis, facial oedema and proteinuria. He stores grain in a rodent-infested room. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Lassa fever

Lassa fever is the single best answer because Lassa fever is a rodent-borne arenavirus causing febrile illness with pharyngitis, oedema and proteinuria in West Africa. Ebola virus disease is plausible in a related presentation, but it is less appropriate because it does not fit the key discriminator in this vignette. The teaching point is that ribavirin may be considered early, and infection prevention is essential.

Reference: WHO disease outbreak guidance; UKHSA travel-associated infection guidance; CDC Yellow Book 2026