A middle-aged Iowa resident who recently traveled to West Africa has died from Lassa fever, state health officials confirmed Monday.
“I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state,” Dr. Robert Kruse, state medical director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, said in a news release. “We continue to investigate and monitor this situation and are implementing the necessary public health protocols.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health partners are working to identify anyone “who may have been in close contact with the patient, out of an abundance of caution, for monitoring,” the release added.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a viral disease endemic to West Africa, primarily transmitted by the multimammate rat, which is the main carrier of the Lassa virus. According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period for Lassa fever ranges from two to 21 days.
In the past 55 years, there have been only eight travel-associated cases of Lassa fever reported in the U.S. In 2015, a New Jersey man died after being diagnosed with the virus.
Approximately 100,000 to 300,000 cases of Lassa fever are reported annually in West Africa, leading to about 5,000 deaths, according to the CDC.
How is Lassa fever spread?
Lassa fever can spread through contact with infected rats or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, or droppings, which may contaminate food or household items. Furthermore, human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with the body fluids of an infected individual. It is important to note that the virus is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging or sharing a space with someone who is infected.
“People with Lassa fever are not contagious until after their symptoms begin,” the CDC identifies. The University of Iowa Health Care system, where the resident was treated, assured the public that the hospital “remains a safe place to receive care.”
The CDC emphasized that the individual was “not sick while traveling, so the risk to fellow airline passengers is extremely low.”
Lassa fever symptoms
Although Lassa fever can be fatal, most individuals experience mild symptoms such as slight fever, fatigue, and headaches, which are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity to other illnesses.
About 1 in 5 infected individuals develop severe symptoms, according to the WHO. Severe cases can include bleeding, vomiting, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and pain in the back, chest, or abdomen.
The overall case fatality rate for Lassa fever is approximately 1%, but it can exceed 15% among severely ill hospitalized patients, according to WHO guidelines.
Potential treatment options may include the antiviral drug ribavirin, which is most effective when administered early, along with supportive therapies such as pain management and rehydration to alleviate symptoms.
Expert Discussion
To gain further insights, we invited a panel of experts to discuss the implications of this recent case, prevention strategies, and the importance of public awareness.
Panel of Experts
- Dr. Emily Chen, Infectious Disease Specialist
- Dr. Samuel Fischer, Epidemiologist
- Dr. Lara Aquino, Public Health Advocate
Discussion Points
Q1: What measures should travelers take when visiting regions where Lassa fever is prevalent?
Dr. Chen: Travelers should maintain good hygiene practices, avoid contact with rodents, and ensure food safety.
Dr. Fischer: It’s vital to stay updated on health advisories and seek medical attention if symptoms arise after travel.
Q2: How can public health departments better prepare for and respond to Lassa fever cases?
Dr. Aquino: Increasing public awareness about the disease and improving surveillance systems are key components in effective response strategies.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What questions do you have about Lassa fever and its impacts? Let us discuss and learn together!