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The increase in Lassa fever cases continues in Nigeria where the disease is endemic. From the beginning of the year until 6 May 2016, a total of 657 suspected cases and 75 deaths were reported across 27 states of the country. Of the suspected cases, 63 have been laboratory-confirmed.
This compares with 101 suspected cases of which 8 were laboratory confirmed and 3 deaths from 9 states during the same time period of 2015.
The states reporting most suspected cases in 2016, include: Edo (229), Ondo (82), Niger (59), Taraba (43) and Bauchi (28).
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.
