UK Authorities Investigate Possible Lassa Fever Case in Nigerian Visitor
UK health authorities are investigating a potential case of Lassa fever after it was revealed that a Nigerian national visiting England tested positive for the infection.
Health experts have reassured the public that the virus does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the public remains very low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that no one else has been contacted so far.
Lassa fever is common in some West African countries, where people typically become infected through consuming food contaminated by rodent urine or feces or handling household items contaminated by the virus. The disease is rare in the UK, but previous cases have been reported in 2022.
British authorities are working to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the infected individual to limit the spread of the infection. The UKHSA is conducting a swift investigation to locate anyone who may have been in contact with the person who tested positive for Lassa fever.
Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director at the UK Health Security Agency, stated that health protection teams are urgently working to reach those who may have come into contact with the individual in England, ensuring that they receive appropriate medical care and testing if symptoms appear.
While Lassa fever is not easily transmitted among people, the risk to the UK population remains minimal. Those who are infected will receive treatment, and their symptoms will be monitored. However, there is currently no specific cure for the disease.
**What is Lassa Fever?**
Lassa fever can spread through the bodily fluids (blood, saliva, urine, or semen) of infected individuals. People can become infected through contact with urine or feces of infected rodents.
Often, individuals who contract the virus show no symptoms, but the disease can cause fever and flu-like symptoms, along with bleeding from the nose, mouth, or other body parts. While most people recover fully, the disease can also be fatal.
