The death of a patient in the UK after suffering from an Ebola-like Lassa fever is increasing the concern for the disease. So far three cases were observed. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a zoonotic acute viral illness that is endemic in several parts of West Africa. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that transmit from animals to humans. It is due to the Lassa virus which spreads through the multimammate rat that is common in the region. In the UK, the first death from Lassa fever took place last week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is contacting individuals in close contact with the infected after the confirmation. Annually, the virus infects 100,000 to 300,000. However, around 5,000 succumb to the illness.
The hemorrhagic illness spreads through food and items contaminated with urine or feces of infected rats. However, it can also spread through infected bodily fluids. “Cases of Lassa fever are rare in the UK and it does not spread easily between people. The overall risk to the public is very low,” stated Dr. Susan Hopkins. Dr. Hopkins is a Chief Medical Advisor at the UKHSA. “UKHSA and the NHS have well-established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease and these will be reinforced,” she explained.
More about the spreading virus
The most common symptoms of Lass fever include fever, weakness, sore throat, head, and muscle pain, diarrhea, cough, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, facial swelling, bleeding from orifices, and low blood pressure are also seen in some patients. With worsening, people can also experience tremors, shock, seizures, and disorientation. Some people can also slip into a coma or die. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus for Lassa fever takes about six to 21 days for incubation. It develops gradually and worsens with time and can be severe for those in their late terms of pregnancy. Currently, the treatment for the disease includes the use of Ribavirin, an antiviral medication used for treating viral infections such as hepatitis C, hemorrhagic fever, etc.
