Lassa Fever in Liberia

27 Mar 2019

The Word Health Organisation (WHO) reports Lassa fever transmission continues in Liberia. Fourteen cases were confirmed between 8 February and 3 March 2019.

The cases were in Bong (6), Nimba (5), Grand Bassa (1), Grand Kru (1) and Montserrado (1) Counties. WHO reports a total of 36 cases including four deaths since the beginning of 2019.

Advice for Travellers

Lassa fever presents a low risk to most travellers unless they are living in poor sanitary conditions with overcrowding in rural areas where the host is usually found. Lassa fever is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted via the excreta of an infected Mastomys rat. 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.

For further informations see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.