US Resident Dies of Suspected Lassa Fever After West Africa Trip
By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team.
The Mastomys rodent is the known host of the Lassa fever virus
In a tragic incident, an unnamed, middle-aged individual, resident in the State of Iowa in the United States recently died from suspected Lassa fever after returning from a trip to West Africa. While returning, investigations revealed that the patient was not sick and therefore posed little or no risk to fellow passengers. A presumptive Lassa fever test was carried out which came out positive, however this would be followed up with a confirmatory test soon.
The case, which is under investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Iowa health authorities, serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by infectious diseases globally, especially for travelers to affected areas.
If confirmed, this would be the ninth reported occurrence of Lassa fever in travellers returning to the United States from endemic areas. While Lassa fever is rare outside West Africa, where it originated, understanding its symptoms, spread and preventive measures is important for those living in Africa or making plans to visit.
Lassa fever is a viral disease similar to Ebola although with distinct characteristics. The disease was initially identified in 1969 in Lassa, Borno state, Nigeria, from where it derived its name.
Lassa fever cases are concentrated in West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Occasionally, travellers returning from these regions, like the Iowa resident, have brought the virus back to other parts of the world.
Lassa fever is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, particularly the Mastomys rat, which is common in West Africa. Some early information regarding the Iowa resident suggests contact with the rodent.
These rodents often carry the virus in their urine and droppings, which can contaminate food and household items. In communities with poor sanitation, such contamination is more likely as it increases the risk of transmission. When people come into contact with the virus, either by handling infected rodents or through food exposed to infected rodent waste, they may get infected.
Unlike other highly contagious viruses such as Ebola or COVID-19, Lassa fever does not generally spread through casual human contact, rather human-to-human transmission happens primarily through direct exposure to the bodily fluids—blood, urine, saliva or vomit—of an infected person. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of strict hygiene, especially in healthcare settings, where health workers are at a higher risk of exposure.
The symptoms associated with Lassa fever vary widely. In fact, about 80% of infected individuals experience no symptoms at all thereby making the disease challenging to detect.
According to the World Health Organization, death from the disease is a rare occurrence, however, in severe cases, the virus affects multiple organs, including the liver, spleen and kidneys, leading to a range of symptoms.
The symptoms may be mild such as slight fever, fatigue and headache or severe leading to bleeding, breathing difficulty, chest or abdominal pain and vomiting. In either case, early intervention is crucial, as severe cases can progress rapidly.
Once Lassa fever is diagnosed, swift treatment can improve outcomes significantly. Ribavirin which is an antiviral medication is the primary treatment and is also used for other viral diseases like hepatitis C.
Early administration of Ribavirin can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications. However, treatment is most effective when it is started early in the infection, which is why recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention are critical.
In the recent Iowa case, the patient had no symptoms while traveling, which is why health officials believe the risk of transmission to other passengers is very low. Nevertheless, the CDC and Iowa health authorities are investigating any potential contacts to ensure they remain safe and unexposed.
While Lassa fever is not a common illness in most parts of the world, awareness of the disease and its preventive measures are important, especially if you live in or plan to travel to West Africa.
Here are some tips that can help you lower your risk of the disease.
The recent Lassa fever case in Iowa is a reminder of how interconnected our health systems are and the importance of international cooperation in addressing infectious diseases.
In Africa, infectious diseases continue to present a significant public health challenge, threatening lives and straining resources that could be utilized better. The risk of diseases such as Lassa fever increases across borders thus highlighting the need for strong public health systems, both in containing outbreaks and in ensuring early detection.
Furthermore, efforts to educate the public about the importance of hygiene and disease prevention will ensure that we can protect ourselves both individually and collectively.
Source: CDC Newsroom
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Published: November 1, 2024
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