Lassa Fever in Liberia (Update 1)
18 Apr 2018
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported
that from 1 January 2018 to date, a total of 67 suspected cases, including 19 deaths have been reported from six counties. Of the total suspected cases, nine were confirmed positive. The confirmed cases originated from Nimba (4), Montserrado (3), Bong (1), and Grand Bassa (1). Eight of the nine confirmed cases 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.