Lassa Fever: A Rare but Potent Threat
First US Case of the Year Highlights the Need for Awareness and Preparedness
An Iowa resident has sadly passed away due to Lassa fever, a viral disease that is primarily found in West Africa. This is only the ninth known case of the virus in the US since 1969, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness.
Background and Spread of the Disease
Lassa fever is named after the town of Lassa, Nigeria, where it was first identified in 1969. The virus is prevalent in West Africa, where it is found in the region’s rats, as well as their feces and urine. It can also be spread through contact with the body fluids of an infected individual. While it is not typically spread through casual contact, such as hugging or shaking hands, those who come into close contact with an infected person may be at risk.
Symptoms and Consequences of Lassa Fever
The symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe, including fever, fatigue, and headaches. In more severe cases, it can cause bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, shock, and pain in the chest, back, and abdomen. One of the most alarming aspects of the disease is its impact on hearing, with approximately 1 in 3 cases resulting in permanent hearing loss and deafness. Additionally, 95% of infected pregnant women miscarry.
Recent Case in Iowa
The Iowa resident, who has not been publicly identified, had traveled to West Africa recently and was hospitalized in isolation at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center before their death. Following their passing, preliminary tests conducted by the Nebraska Laboratory Response Network confirmed that the individual was positive for Lassa fever.
Response and Monitoring
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working closely with local health officials to identify close contacts of the patient who may be at risk of infection. Those who have come into close contact with the deceased patient will be monitored for 21 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common is Lassa fever in the US?
A: Lassa fever is extremely rare in the US, with only nine known cases since 1969.
Q: How is Lassa fever spread?
A: Lassa fever can be spread through contact with the body fluids of an infected individual, contact with rodents, and their feces and urine.
Q: What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?
A: The symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe and may include fever, fatigue, headaches, bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, shock, and pain in the chest, back, and abdomen.
Q: How common is hearing loss in Lassa fever?
A: Approximately 1 in 3 cases of Lassa fever result in permanent hearing loss and deafness.
Q: What is the fatality rate for pregnant women infected with Lassa fever?
A: 95% of infected pregnant women miscarry.
Q: Can Lassa fever be spread through casual contact?
A: No, Lassa fever cannot be spread through casual contact, such as hugging or shaking hands. It requires close contact with an infected individual or contact with the body fluids of an infected individual.
