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Lassa Fever in Germany (Ex West Africa)

11 March 2016

The media in Germany have reported that an individual who was admitted to the University Hospital of Cologne for malaria treatment has died from suspected Lassa fever. The individual had recently returned from West Africa.

Advice for Travellers

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.

Further information on viral haemorrhagic fever.