Lassa Fever in Nigeria (Update 1)
07 Aug 2017
Nigeria reported 6 suspected cases (3 confirmed) of Lassa fever including 1 death in the states of Katsina (1 case), Ondo ( 2 cases) and Plateau (3 cases) in the week ending 16 July 2017. Of the 6 suspected cases, 3 were confirmed positive.
From 1 January to 16 July 2017 Nigeria has reported 338 suspected Lassa fever cases (85 confirmed) cases and 55 deaths from 22 States.
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 a viral 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.