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Lassa Fever in Liberia (Update 2)

04 Jun 2018

The World Health Organisation (WHO)  reports ongoing transmission of lassa fever in Liberia.

There have been 84 suspected cases (22 deaths) from  1 January to 13 May 2018. Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa and are among the affected counties.

Advice for Travellers

Lassa fever presents a low risk to most travellers unless they are 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.

For further informations see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.