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On 8 January 2015, the Minister of Health for Benin announced that the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Atakora Department in the north of the country is officially over. The outbreak was first reported in October 2015, and between October-November, a total of 16 cases, including 9 deaths was recorded. Lassa fever was confirmed in 2 of the 4 fatal cases among healthcare workers.
Agencies taking part in the outbreak response included: the Government of Benin, WHO, UNICEF, Plan Benin and partners of development.
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.
