One person dead in Iowa from Lassa fever, state health department says
State investigating origin of fatal case, urging residents to seek medical care if feeling ill
More than 300 cases of Lassa fever reported in Nigeria this year
One person has died in Iowa from Lassa fever, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Tuesday.
The patient, who IDPH did not identify, traveled to Nigeria in December and became ill after returning to the United States.
The patient was hospitalized in Iowa and died from the infection last week, IDPH said.
What is Lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is spread by contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents
The virus can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, and death.
Lassa fever is endemic in parts of West Africa, where it is a major public health problem. The virus is not typically found in the United States, but cases can occur in people who have traveled to affected areas.
What are the symptoms of Lassa fever?
The symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe.
Mild symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe symptoms include:
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Vomiting blood
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Death
How is Lassa fever treated?
There is no specific treatment for Lassa fever.
Treatment is supportive and includes:
- Fluids and electrolytes
- Pain relievers
- Antiviral medications
- Ribavirin, an antiviral medication
How can I prevent Lassa fever?
There is no vaccine for Lassa fever.
The best way to prevent Lassa fever is to avoid contact with rodents and their urine and feces.
If you are traveling to an area where Lassa fever is endemic, you should take the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their urine and feces.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
- Drink only boiled or bottled water.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms of Lassa fever.
What is the prognosis for Lassa fever?
The prognosis for Lassa fever depends on the severity of the infection.
Mild cases of Lassa fever usually resolve within 2 to 3 weeks.
Severe cases of Lassa fever can be fatal.
The overall mortality rate for Lassa fever is about 1%. This means that about 1 in 100 people who get Lassa fever will die from the infection.
What is the IDPH doing in response to the death from Lassa fever?
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is investigating the origin of the fatal case of Lassa fever.
IDPH is also urging residents to seek medical care immediately if they are feeling ill and have recently traveled to an area where Lassa fever is endemic.
IDPH has issued a health advisory to healthcare providers in Iowa.
The advisory provides information about Lassa fever, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
IDPH is also working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the case and prevent further spread of the virus.
Additional information about Lassa fever
For more information about Lassa fever, please visit the following websites:
