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Definition of Lassa virus
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Lassa virus: The deadly cause of Lassa fever. Lassa virus is a virulent and highly transmissible RNA virus that belongs to the arenavirus group. Lassa virus was discovered in 1969 by a team led by Dr. Jordi Casals-Ariet.
See also: Lassa fever; and Casals-Ariet, Jordi.