Lassa Fever in Nigeria (Update 5)
28 Mar 2018
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
reports that the outbreak of lassa fever in Nigeria continues, but at a slower pace than before. The number of new cases has been falling for five consecutive weeks. From 1 January to 25 March 2018, there have been 394 confirmed cases, of which 18 were in the week ending 25 March 2018.
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.