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Lassa Fever in Nigeria

29 January 2013

A second outbreak of Lassa fever has been reported from Nigeria. The latest outbreak is taking place in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa state in central Nigeria. Three cases, including one death, have been recorded and the infection was laboratory confirmed in Lafia on 25 January 2013.

The first outbreak is reported in Benue state which neighbours Nasarawa state.

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 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.