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An outbreak of Lassa fever has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health in Benin. The outbreak was first identified two weeks ago and is occurring in the commune of Tchaourou, Borgou department in the northeast of the country bordering Nigeria where an outbreak of Lassa fever is ongoing. Laboratory samples from 5 suspected case were tested in Lagos, Nigeria; only one was confirmed positive for Lassa virus.
There has been one death reported in a healthcare worker and 4 other suspected cases are receiving intensive care in hospital.
(Via aContonou (in French) - accessed 04/02/16)
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.
