Investigation Underway for Lassa Fever Case Imported to the UK from Nigeria
The UK Health Security Agency is investigating a case of Lassa fever imported from Nigeria. Although the virus is serious, the risk of transmission in the UK is classified as very low, and health teams are tracing contacts to ensure monitoring and care. Symptoms can occur within one to three weeks post-exposure.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a potential outbreak of Lassa fever, a viral illness known for causing symptoms similar to those of Ebola. This follows the confirmation of a case involving an individual who traveled to England from Nigeria while infected. The individual subsequently returned to Nigeria, where a diagnosis was made, prompting UK officials to initiate contact tracing measures.
Despite the concern, the UKHSA has reported that Lassa fever does not easily transmit between individuals, and the overall risk to the public is classified as ‘very low.’ The virus is endemic in West Africa, notably in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, and it is primarily carried by the Mastomys rodent, which poses a particular health risk due to its potential to contaminate food sources.
Transmission of Lassa fever can occur via consumption of contaminated food, inhalation of the virus, or contact with the droppings of infected rodents. Furthermore, while human-to-human transmission is rare, it can happen through exposure to bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, or other secretions. Most individuals infected experience mild symptoms akin to fever and weakness, with serious cases presenting more severe symptoms.
Dr. Meera Chand, deputy director at UKHSA, confirmed that health protection teams are quickly contacting those who were in close proximity to the affected individual in England to advise on possible medical care and necessary testing for any emerging symptoms. She reiterated, “The infection does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the UK population is very low.”
Symptoms of Lassa fever typically manifest between one to three weeks post-exposure, underlining the importance of vigilance in public health responses concerning viral outbreaks.
For further stories and updates, please contact the UK health authorities or engage with current news reports on the situation.
In summary, the UK Health Security Agency is responding to a potential Lassa fever case linked to travel from Nigeria. The virus’s low transmission rate among humans suggests minimal risk to the UK public, although health officials are proactively communicating with individuals who may have come into contact with the infected traveler. Monitoring and timely medical advice remain crucial as symptoms may appear within a few weeks after exposure.
Original Source: metro.co.uk
