What should you know about lassa fever symptoms?

Early symptoms may include fever, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain and feeling generally unwell. Some people develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, chest pain or abdominal pain as the illness progresses. Hearing changes, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or bleeding are more concerning features.

Lassa fever symptoms overlap with conditions such as a common cold, COVID-19, bronchitis and other infections. A symptom alone cannot identify the cause. A recent stay in an affected area, contact with rodents, or contact with an ill person's body fluids changes the level of concern and should be shared with a clinician.

Seek same-day medical advice for fever after relevant travel or exposure. Call before visiting a clinic or hospital and explain the concern, because staff may need to arrange infection precautions. Until you receive advice, wash hands carefully, avoid contact with blood and other body fluids, and do not share towels, bedding or utensils if they may be contaminated.

Keep a record of temperature, symptoms, travel dates and close contacts. Take only medicines recommended for you, and follow instructions about fluids if vomiting or diarrhoea is present.

Go to emergency care for trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, severe chest or abdominal pain, bleeding, facial swelling or very little urine. Rapid deterioration is an emergency. Do not travel to a healthcare setting without first explaining the possible exposure if you can safely call.

Ask whether your symptoms and exposure history need testing, how to protect people at home, which fluids are safe to drink, and which warning signs require an ambulance. Mention pregnancy, long-term conditions and all medicines because they can affect assessment and treatment.