A second case of Lassa fever has been identified in the endemic zone of Eastern province. The child, who has succumbed to the infection, lived in Kenema District, near the Liberian border. And the Nigerian states of Edo and Ondo continued to be the highest reporting among those with new Lassa fever infections in the week Mar 11-17. Over half of the 23 new confirmed cases were from those states (others were Bauchi, Taraba, Imo, Enugu, Benue and Kebbi). In this outbreak, the infection has proved fatal in 23 percent of confirmed cases.
Advice for travellers
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness that occurs in West Africa, notably in Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia. As many as 300,000 cases and 5000 deaths occur each year. However, Lassa is a remote risk for travellers. Rodents shed the virus in urine and droppings and it is spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of an infected person. Read more about Lassa fever.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.