Lassa Fever Suspected in Death of U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa
Atlanta, GA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Health are investigating a suspected case of Lassa fever, wich was diagnosed today in an Iowa resident who returned to the United States from West Africa early this month. The patient has died.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to parts of West Africa. It is transmitted to humans through contact with urine or feces of Mastomys rats. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through direct contact with the blood, urine, vomit, or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
“CDC is working closely with the Iowa Department of Health and other partners to investigate this case and to identify and contact anyone who may have had close contact with the patient,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis,Director of the Division of Viral Diseases at CDC. “Lassa fever is rare in the United States, and this case highlights the importance of being aware of the risks associated with travel to endemic areas and seeking medical care if you develop symptoms.”
Symptoms of Lassa fever typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chest pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, Lassa fever can cause bleeding, neurological problems, and death.
There is no approved vaccine for Lassa fever. Treatment involves supportive care and the antiviral drug ribavirin, which is most effective when administered early in the course of the illness.
This is the first confirmed case of Lassa fever in Iowa and only the third reported in the United States since 2010. CDC is providing guidance to healthcare providers and public health officials on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lassa fever.
Travelers to areas where Lassa fever is common should take precautions to avoid contact with Mastomys rats and their droppings. These precautions include:
Storing food in rodent-proof containers.
Keeping homes clean and free of rodents.
Avoiding contact with rodents and their urine or feces.
Seeking medical attention if you develop symptoms after traveling to an endemic area.
For More Data:
Lassa Fever: https://www.cdc.gov/lassa/index.html
CDC Newsroom: https://www.cdc.gov/media/index.html
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CDC assesses the risk to the general public is extremely low.
