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A new outbreak of Lassa fever has been reported from Ebonyi State in eastern Nigeria. The outbreak was first identified on 01 February 2012, and six cases (two of whom have died) have been recorded.
Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and 9 states (including Ebonyi) are considered to be particulary prone to the infection. These states were badly affected by flooding in 2012, increasing the risk of contact with rats, the reservoir of Lassa fever virus.
A Ministry of Health emergency response team is in the area to assist with control of the outbreak and raise awareness among the local population.
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.
