NewsDesk @bactiman63
The World Health Organization reports one confirmed case of Lassa Fever in the Health District of Gueckedou, Guinea on December 8.
Image/CIA
The patient is a female greater than 60 years old. A total of 27 contacts were identified and are being followed. Public health response activities are ongoing, including the in-depth epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine or droppings. Lassa fever can also be spread from person to person through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.
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Symptoms of Lassa fever (fever, chills, headache, and fatigue) develop 1-3 weeks after infection. About 20% of people infected with Lassa fever develop severe illness that can lead to hemorrhaging (bleeding), respiratory distress, vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen, and sometimes death.
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