The Iowa Department of Health announced a fatal case of Lassa fever, a rare viral disease, imported from West Africa. The patient died while in isolation at the University of Iowa Medical Center and was not symptomatic during travel, minimizing the risk to fellow airline passengers. The CDC stated that the overall risk to the public is low, as the virus is not spread through casual contact and patients are not believed to be infectious before symptoms begin.
It is suggested that the patient may have had contact with rodents in West Africa, as Lassa virus is spread through contact with infected rodent urine or droppings. The CDC is working with state public health officials to identify and monitor individuals who had contact with the patient after symptoms began. This case would be the ninth imported case in the United States since 1959 and highlights the need for increased research and development of treatments and vaccines for Lassa virus, which causes 100,000 to 300,000 cases and 5,000 deaths annually in West Africa.
The recent case in Iowa underscores the importance of early detection and monitoring of potential outbreaks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The CDC’s collaboration with state health officials demonstrates a proactive approach to containing the spread of Lassa fever and protecting public health. The publication of a roadmap by experts in July highlights the need for a coordinated effort to address the growing threat of Lassa virus and improve global health security.
Source
Photo credit www.cidrap.umn.edu