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Lassa Fever Outbreak in 3 Counties of Liberia

The counties of Sanniquellie Mahn, Saclepea, and Tappita have been declared as the centres for the current outbreak of Lassa fever. So far, at least 30 suspected cases and 3 deaths have been reported in the Sanniquellie Mahn county. Previously, a total of 92 suspected cases including 21 death were reported nationwide through the end of August (2019).

Advice

The risk for the general traveller is low. All the reported cases have occurred sporadically, often in multiple locations. This infection is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items that are contaminated with rodent excreta or through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Travellers should avoid contact with rats, especially their urine and faeces. Travellers should also practice careful personal hygiene by washing their hands frequently especially when caring for sick patients who might have this infection. Although most infections are mild, Lassa fever can be a severe viral haemorrhagic illness in 1 out of every 5 infected people.

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