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Lassa Fever in Nigeria

01 October 2013

The Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control has disclosed that the disease has spread from 6 states of the country in 2009 to 23 in 2013. At least 93 individuals have died from complications associated with Lassa fever between January 2011 and September 2013, including 17 deaths so far this year (2013).

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.