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WHO reports hundreds of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria
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WHO has announced an outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria, with 273 suspected cases and 149 deaths reported from August 2015 to May 17.
Ten health care workers have been infected with the virus, two of whom died. Among these cases, four were nosocomial infections.
WHO expressed concern over the high proportion of deaths since the outbreak began. The agency previously identified at least 38 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 15 deaths in Liberia this year. The risk for widespread transmission is considered to be low, and currently there are no travel or trade restrictions for either country.
Of the 23 states in Nigeria reporting Lassa fever infections, 15 have completed the 42-day period since the last known transmission. Currently, 248 contacts are being monitored in the remaining states reporting new cases and deaths.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to rodent urine or feces, according to WHO. Symptoms may include headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and abdominal pain. In severe cases, facial swelling, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure and bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract may occur. The disease also is associated with hearing loss in 25% of survivors.