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What is Lassa Fever? -

Lassa fever is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) illness that is common in West African countries and can cause uncontrolled bleeding.

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Risk stats -

Most of those diagnosed with Lassa fever have mild symptoms. However, 20% of people who contract it become extremely ill.

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How common is Lassa fever? -

Approximately 100,000 to 300,000 people get Lassa fever in countries in West Africa annually. In the US, there has only been one confirmed death on October 28, 2024.

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Symptoms for most - For about 80% of people who get Lassa fever, symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and headache.

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Symptoms for some -

For about 20% of people who have Lassa fever, symptoms are things such as chest, neck, or stomach pain, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes, seizures, and confusion.

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What causes Lassa fever? -

Lassa virus (LASV) causes Lassa fever and is carried by Mastomys, or multimammate rats, which live in countries in West Africa. Lassa virus can damage blood vessels and lower your blood’s ability to clot thereby causing uncontrolled bleeding.

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How is Lassa fever spread? -

Lassa fever is spread through the feces of infected rats. Additionally, if you are in contact with an infected person's bodily fluids then you could contract the fever.

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Bodily fluids -

Bodily fluids of people infected with LASV can be spread through intimate physical contact or exposure to their blood or feces, etc.

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Healthcare facilities - Lassa fever can also spread in healthcare facilities if there aren’t good sanitation procedures in place. Additionally, if the staff doesn't use personal protective equipment (PPE) or if it isn’t available, then problems can arise.

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What are risk factors for Lassa fever? -

If you travel to areas in West Africa where Lassa fever is common then you can be at a greater risk of contracting it. Areas include Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone.

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What are the complications of Lassa fever? -

In mild cases, about one in three people who get Lassa fever has partial or complete hearing loss that may be temporary or even permanent.

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Life-threatening complications and pregnancy -

In cases of pregnant women infected with Lassa fever, over 75% of pregnancies end in the loss of the fetus.

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Organ impact -

Complications that might occur with Lassa fever include inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis), fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), infection and inflammation of organs such as the liver (hepatitis), and low platelets (thrombocytopenia).

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Additional complications - Other potential complications can include brain function issues (encephalopathy) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen. Also, severe blood clotting disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation/DIC might occur.

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How is Lassa fever diagnosed? -

Lassa fever can be diagnosed by testing samples of bodily fluids such as blood or urine, or by a throat swab.

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Lassa fever can look like other illnesses -

Lassa fever can look like other illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and Ebola, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to tell your doctor if you've traveled lately and might have been exposed to the virus.

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What is the treatment for Lassa fever? -

Doctors and healthcare providers will often treat Lassa fever with ribavirin, which is an antiviral medication. Also, depending on the severity of your condition, other treatments may be prescribed.

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Can Lasa fever be prevented? -

In addition to protecting yourself if you're around someone who is infected, you should also avoid contact with rodents, especially in areas where Lassa fever is prominent.

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Wear protective coverings -

It's essential to wear protective coverings when caring for someone who has or might have Lassa fever. This includes a mask, gloves, gowns, non-fogging goggles and boots.

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Isolation -

If you are infected with Lassa virus, you should definitely isolate from others to prevent it from spreading.

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What can I expect if I have Lassa fever? -

If you have Lassa fever you can expect the symptoms previously mentioned and the need for healthcare providers or those caring for you from afar (since you'll be isolated) to take special precautions to stay healthy. 

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How long will it take to feel better? -

In most cases, Lassa fever is mild and it can take a week or longer to feel better. Additionally, about half of people with hearing loss regain hearing within a few weeks.

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When can I return to work or school -

Remaining in isolation until you're cleared by a medical professional is extremely important. Otherwise, you could be contagious and risk spreading the virus.

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What is the survival rate of Lassa fever? - The mortality rate for all cases ranging from mild to severe is 1%. If you need to be hospitalized then the mortality rate is around 15%, and even higher during outbreaks.

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When should I see a healthcare provider? -

You should seek out healthcare advice immediately if you begin experiencing symptoms of Lassa fever after visiting countries in West Africa.

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When should I go to the ER? -

If you're having severe symptoms such as chest, neck, or stomach pain or difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, or diarrhea be sure to go to the ER and wear protective gear. Also, alert the staff that you might have Lassa fever.

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What questions should I ask my doctor? -

If you are diagnosed with Lassa fever, you should ask your doctor for advice about how to prevent spreading the virus, treatment options, and what new or worsening symptoms to look out for.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Reuters) (World Health Organization) (CDC)

See also: How does our environment affect our health?

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