Iowa Resident Dies of Suspected Lassa Fever: What Is the Rare Viral Disease?

Iowa Resident Dies of Suspected Lassa Fever

An Iowa resident has died of suspected Lassa fever, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. This is the first suspected case of Lassa fever in the United States this year.

Lassa fever is a rare, acute viral illness that is endemic to West Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their excreta.

Symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness. Severe symptoms include bleeding, kidney failure, and deafness.

What Is Lassa Fever?

Transmission

Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is carried by the Natal multimammate mouse. The virus is shed in the urine and droppings of infected mice.

Humans can become infected with Lassa fever by coming into contact with infected mice or their excreta. This can occur through direct contact with the animals or through contact with contaminated food or water.

Symptoms

The incubation period for Lassa fever is 6 to 21 days. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness.

In severe cases, Lassa fever can lead to bleeding, kidney failure, and deafness. The virus can also be fatal.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Lassa fever. Treatment is supportive and includes measures to control symptoms and prevent complications.

Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, has been shown to be effective in treating Lassa fever if it is started early in the course of the illness.

Prevention

There is no vaccine for Lassa fever. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected mice or their excreta.

People who live in areas where Lassa fever is endemic should take precautions to avoid contact with rodents. These precautions include:

• Storing food in rodent-proof containers
• Keeping homes clean and free of rodent droppings
• Setting traps to catch rodents
• Avoiding contact with dead rodents

People who travel to areas where Lassa fever is endemic should take precautions to avoid contact with rodents and their excreta. These precautions include:

• Staying in rodent-free accommodations
• Eating only cooked food
• Drinking only boiled water
• Avoiding contact with dead rodents