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Further cases of Lassa fever have been reported in the ongoing outbreak in Benin. At present, 52 suspected cases have been identified and 17 deaths have been recorded.
Four cases have been confirmed; one of the confirmed cases is a 4-month-old child now receiving treatment in Tchaourou, in the north-east of the country.
With support from WHO, UNICEF and humanitarian partners, the national authorities in Benin have taken emergency measures in response to the outbreak.
(Via UNICEF - accessed 15/02/16)
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.
