Lassa Fever in Nigeria
18 Jan 2018
On 14 January 2018 the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
reported 4 cases of Lassa fever healthcare workers in Ebonyi State. Three of these people have subsequently died.
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.