A Tragic Case Sparks Precaution"The risk of local transmission is very low," assured Dr. Robert Kruse, the state’s medical director. "We are working closely with the CDC and local partners to trace and monitor anyone who may have had close contact with the patient as a precaution."Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is caused by a virus primarily transmitted by West African multimammate rats, which can spread the virus through their urine, feces, or saliva. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or by contact with household surfaces exposed to infected rodents. The virus can also spread between people through direct exposure to bodily fluids, though casual interactions like shaking hands or sitting near an infected person pose no risk. "Individuals are not infectious until symptoms begin," according to the CDC.The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, where between 100,000 and 300,000 infections are reported annually, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths. However, travel-related cases in the U.S. remain extremely rare. Since 1969, only eight such cases have been reported, the last fatality being in New Jersey in 2015.Patient Managed in a Secure Pathogen Unit
The University of Iowa Health Care System confirmed the patient received care within its Special Pathogen Unit, which is designed to handle highly infectious diseases. The CDC also stated that the individual did not show symptoms while traveling, minimizing the risk to other airline passengers.Although there has never been person-to-person transmission of Lassa fever within the U.S., healthcare providers are exercising heightened precautions typically reserved for viral hemorrhagic fevers.Lassa Fever Symptoms and Severity
Lassa fever symptoms generally appear within 2 to 21 days after infection. Most cases are mild, presenting with flu-like symptoms such as:
Dr. Kruse assured the public that Iowa remains safe, and the hospital environment is secure for patients seeking care. Although the chance of spreading Lassa fever locally is extremely low, the health department, with the CDC’s guidance, continues to track and monitor anyone who had direct contact with the patient to prevent any potential risk.A middle-aged Iowa resident recently returned from West Africa has died from Lassa fever, a rare viral infection spread by rodents. While the risk to the public remains minimal, health officials are monitoring potential contacts and emphasizing heightened infection control. Symptoms vary from mild fever and headaches to severe complications like internal bleeding and breathing difficulties, with early treatment crucial for survival.
Lassa fever is caused by a virus primarily transmitted by West African multimammate rats, which can spread the virus through their urine, feces, or saliva. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or by contact with household surfaces exposed to infected rodents. The virus can also spread between people through direct exposure to bodily fluids, though casual interactions like shaking hands or sitting near an infected person pose no risk. "Individuals are not infectious until symptoms begin," according to the CDC.The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, where between 100,000 and 300,000 infections are reported annually, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths. However, travel-related cases in the U.S. remain extremely rare. Since 1969, only eight such cases have been reported, the last fatality being in New Jersey in 2015.Patient Managed in a Secure Pathogen Unit
The University of Iowa Health Care System confirmed the patient received care within its Special Pathogen Unit, which is designed to handle highly infectious diseases. The CDC also stated that the individual did not show symptoms while traveling, minimizing the risk to other airline passengers.Although there has never been person-to-person transmission of Lassa fever within the U.S., healthcare providers are exercising heightened precautions typically reserved for viral hemorrhagic fevers.Lassa Fever Symptoms and Severity
Lassa fever symptoms generally appear within 2 to 21 days after infection. Most cases are mild, presenting with flu-like symptoms such as:
- Mild fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Swelling of the face
- Chest, back, or abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulties
Dr. Kruse assured the public that Iowa remains safe, and the hospital environment is secure for patients seeking care. Although the chance of spreading Lassa fever locally is extremely low, the health department, with the CDC’s guidance, continues to track and monitor anyone who had direct contact with the patient to prevent any potential risk.A middle-aged Iowa resident recently returned from West Africa has died from Lassa fever, a rare viral infection spread by rodents. While the risk to the public remains minimal, health officials are monitoring potential contacts and emphasizing heightened infection control. Symptoms vary from mild fever and headaches to severe complications like internal bleeding and breathing difficulties, with early treatment crucial for survival.
