Following the discovery of a sick traveler who has since returned to Nigeria, UK officials are investigating any potential Lassa fever cases.
According to specialists, there is relatively little risk to the public generally because the virus does not travel quickly between people.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is highly improbable that anyone who has not yet been notified has been exposed.
In certain West African nations where the illness is endemic, exposure to food or household objects tainted with rat urine or feces is typically how people contract it.
Although it is uncommon in the UK, Lassa fever has been reported in a few instances, most recently in 2022.
They are “well-equipped to identify people who have Lassa fever” to prevent the spread of diseases, according to UK officials.
According to the UKHSA, it is “working at speed” to identify everybody who might have come into contact with the Lassa fever patient.
“Our health protection teams are working quickly to contact those who had contact with this individual while they were in England, to make sure they seek the proper medical care and testing should they develop any symptoms,” stated Dr. Meera Chand, deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency.
“The infection does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the UK population is very low.”
When Lassa fever is diagnosed, patients will receive supportive therapy, which includes fluids, symptom monitoring, and medicine based on the specific symptoms. The disease does not presently have a single, effective treatment.
