We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
The CDC and New Jersey Department of Health have confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever in a traveller returning to the United States (US) from Liberia. The traveller arrived at JFK International Airport via Morocco on 17 May 2015; he complained of no symptoms at that time and was apyrexial when his temperature was checked on arrival in the US.
The following day he sought medical attention at hospital for a sore throat, fever and tiredness; at that time he did not report travel to West Africa. He was allowed home, however, returned to the hospital on 21 May 2015, with worsening symptoms. The man was transferred to a hospital with facilities for treating viral haemorrhagic fever. Laboratory samples tested positive for Lassa fever on 25 May 2015; the patient died later that evening.
(Via Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Press Release - accessed 27/05/15)
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.
