Key Takeaways:
– Lassa fever claimed the life of an individual who recently traveled to West Africa.
– The virus, though prevalent in West Africa, is uncommon in the United States.
– The possibility of transmission within the state of Iowa is incredibly low, per health officials.
– Regular health protocols are being implemented in response to the situation.
A Middle-Aged Iowa Resident Succumbs to Lassa Fever
An individual from eastern Iowa died from Lassa fever following their return from West Africa. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the tragic demise of a “middle-aged eastern Iowa resident” was from this infrequent hemorrhagic fever.
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral disease more common in West Africa, and it seldom impacts the United States. Rodents in West Africa carry the Lassa virus, which spreads to humans through their infected urine or droppings.
The virus is predominant in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the Lassa virus causes several hundred thousand infections and approximately 5,000 deaths annually.
Lassa Fever in the US
In contrast, the United States has witnessed only eight travel-associated cases of Lassa fever in the last 55 years. Approximately 80 percent of those contracting the disease experience mild or no symptoms. For those with severe illness, the symptoms might include bleeding, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and shock.
The virus is not airborne or contagious through casual contact like shaking hands or hugging, and patients are not considered infectious until they show symptoms. Since the affected individual was not sick while traveling, the CDC has reassured that the risk to fellow passengers is extremely low.
Transmission of the Lassa Virus
Rarely, direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids, sexual contact, or through mucous membranes can lead to person-to-person transmission of the virus.
Iowa’s Response to the Situation
The Iowa HHS, in collaboration with the University of Iowa Health Care, the CDC, and local public health partners, is working diligently to track and monitor anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient. This measure is taken as a precautionary step for thorough monitoring.
“This is a difficult time for the family, and I want to express our deepest condolences”, stated Robert Kruse, the State Medical Director of the Iowa HHS. Kruse assured Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in the state. He also confirmed that investigations were underway, and that necessary public health protocols are being implemented.
The incidence of Lassa fever in the United States is rare, signifying the uniqueness of the situation in the state of Iowa. The authorities and health officials have expressed their commitment to manage the situation meticulously. However, it is essential for residents and travelers to understand the nature and risks associated with the disease and take necessary precautions while traveling.