Investigation of Lassa Fever Case in the UK After Travel from Nigeria

The UK Health Security Agency is investigating a confirmed case of Lassa fever after a traveler returned from Nigeria with symptoms. The public risk is considered low, as the virus does not spread easily between humans. Health teams are identifying contacts to provide guidance on medical care and testing.

Health officials are presently investigating a potential case of Lassa fever in the United Kingdom. Following international notification protocols, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that an individual, while travelling from Nigeria, had traveled to England while symptomatic and later received a diagnosis upon returning to Nigeria.

To ensure public safety, the UKHSA is actively identifying individuals who were in contact with the affected traveler during their stay in the UK. It is important to note that Lassa fever does not transmit easily between humans, resulting in a current overall risk to the public considered “very low.”

The virus, endemic in certain regions of West Africa, particularly Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, is primarily carried by the Mastomys rodent. Human transmission typically occurs through consumption of contaminated food, inhalation of the virus, or contact with droppings of infected rodents.

While less common, Lassa fever can also spread through direct exposure to infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, or semen. Many infected individuals display mild symptoms, including fever, weakness, headache, and sore throat, and typically recover without complications. More severe manifestations may include bleeding, respiratory difficulties, vomiting, and facial swelling.

Dr. Meera Chand, deputy director at UKHSA, stated that health protection teams are diligently reaching out to those in contact with the infected individual to guide them in seeking medical care and appropriate testing if symptoms arise. The infection has a symptom onset period of approximately one to three weeks following exposure to the virus.

In summary, the UK Health Security Agency is monitoring a potential case of Lassa fever involving an individual who traveled from Nigeria to England. The public risk remains very low due to the virus’s limited transmission capabilities between humans. The investigation focuses on identifying contacts to facilitate appropriate health measures. Overall, while Lassa fever poses some health threats, it primarily results in mild symptoms for most individuals who contract it.

Original Source: metro.co.uk