What should you know about lassa fever disease?

Lassa fever is caused by Lassa virus. People may be exposed through contact with food or household surfaces contaminated by urine or faeces from infected rodents. Spread between people can occur through contact with blood or other body fluids, especially in healthcare or household settings without suitable precautions.

The illness may begin with fever, weakness, headache, sore throat or muscle pain, then develop into vomiting, diarrhoea, chest or abdominal pain, cough or breathing difficulty. Severe disease can affect several organs. These symptoms overlap with common infections, so travel and exposure history are important when a clinician assesses the illness.

Contact a healthcare service promptly and mention recent travel or residence in an area where Lassa fever occurs, contact with rodents, or contact with someone who was seriously ill. Call ahead before attending so staff can arrange appropriate precautions. Avoid close contact with bodily fluids and do not share items contaminated with blood, vomit, urine or stool.

Do not self-treat a persistent fever with leftover antibiotics. A clinician may arrange testing, monitoring and supportive treatment in an appropriate setting.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe abdominal or chest pain, or reduced urine. A fever with a relevant exposure history also needs same-day advice, even if the illness initially seems mild.

Tell the clinician when symptoms began, where you have travelled, possible rodent exposure, and whether anyone close to you is unwell. Ask what precautions your household should take, whether testing is needed, how hydration will be maintained, and which changes require immediate return.