Lassa Fever Outbreak in Sierra Leone

The World Health Organization (WHO) was informed about an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone last 24 November 2019. So far, eight Lassa Fever cases and three deaths have been reported. Outbreak investigations are being conducted in areas involved in the outbreak, including Tonkolili and Bombali districts. Contact tracing is also being conducted.

Advice

The risk for the general traveller is low. All the reported cases have occurred sporadically and are dispersed across multiple states. 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.