Lassa fever outbreaks in 5 African countries

Nigeria - Since the first case was described in the state of Ogun, a total of 283 suspected cases including 56 deaths have been reported across 13 states, including Ogun, Bauchi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kaduna, Gombe, Cross-River and Borno.

Benin - Since an outbreak began in the Tchaourou district of Borgou province, two patients have died from their infections. Another suspected case was reported in Atacora province.

Togo - The first case was confirmed on February 23rd. A total of 12 suspected were subsequently reported, with 4 deaths in the Oti and Kindjal districts.

Burkina Faso - A single case of this disease was identified in the Ouargaye district.

Sierra Leone - There have been sporadic suspected cases of Lassa fever since the end of December 2016. However, the outbreak spread in February and March with 24 reported cases. All of the 4 laboratory confirmed cases died. The outbreak has since subsided.

Advice

Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and other West African countries. Outbreaks have occurred almost every year in different parts of the region, with yearly peaks observed between December and February.

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.