Lassa Fever in Nigeria
31 May 2017
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has issued a Lassa fever update. From the beginning of 2017 to 6 May, there were 255 suspected Lassa fever cases in 20 States. There were 58 laboratory confirmed cases and 46 deaths. Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and is reported every year.
Advice for Travellers
Lassa fever is a low risk for most travellers unless living in poor sanitary conditions with overcrowding in rural areas where the host is usually found. Lassa fever is aviral disease transmitted via the faeces of infected rats. Healthcare workers are at risk if good infection control and barrier nursing methods are not maintained.
Travellers returning from affected areas who develop symptoms of fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain should seek medical advice.