Background: \- Lassa fever is very similar to other diseases that cause fever, such as malaria and yellow fever. People get Lassa fever from mice. A person can get Lassa fever from mice urine and droppings. When a group of researchers tested the mice in Soromba, Mali, they found that many were infected with Lassa fever. Lassa fever may also be passed through body fluids (like blood or semen) of people infected with Lassa fever. Researchers want to study this disease to help the government better protect the health of people in Sibirila. Objectives: \- To find out how many people in Sibirila have ever had Lassa fever. Also, to measure how many people get the disease every year. Eligibility: \- People age 6 months and older who are residents of Soromba, Bamba, or Banzana with no plans to relocate within 1 year. Design: * Households will be randomly selected to participate in the study. * Participants will have up to 20 drops of blood collected from the finger or heel. * Participants will be asked about their age. They will be asked if they have ever had a fever and if they have ever seen mice in or around their home. * Researchers will come back in 1 year and take another drop of blood from the participant. Participants will be asked the same questions. * If a participant has a fever at any time during the year, he or she should go to the health center. Researchers will collect a few drops of blood to test for Lassa fever. ...
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To determine the seroprevalence of Lassa virus infection in the population of Southern Mali at the study start date. The prevalence of Lassa virus infection will be based on serological evidence in the villages of Soromba, Bamba and Banzana.
Timeframe: At time of study start.
To determine the proportion of individuals in these villages who haveexperienced symptoms consistent with Lassa fever at the start of the study
Timeframe: At time of study start.
To determine the annual incidence of seroconversion due to Lassa virus infection. Prevalence of Lassa virus exposure at the start of the study will be compared to the prevalence at the end of one calendar year to determine the one year incidence...
Timeframe: One year after study start date.