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 Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria is not yet under control. The outbreak involves 17 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In the latest Daily Situation Report: eighteen (18) new suspected cases were reported from the following states: Niger (1), Kano (1), Rivers (1), Oyo (3) Plateau (4), Nassarawa (1), Ondo (2), Ebonyi (1) and Gombe (4). Four (4) new deaths were reported from the following states: Plateau (1), Ekiti (1), Ebonyi (1) and Osun (1).
Investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. A total of 239 suspected cases and 82 deaths have been recorded; 44 cases have been laboratory confirmed as Lassa virus.
(Via Nigeria Centre for Disease Control - accessed 25/01/16)
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.
