Is a deadly virus at bay? What you need to know now!
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A deadly virus has claimed a life in the U.S., sparking concern nationwide. Health officials are issuing urgent warnings as the threat looms.
Stay informed on what could affect us all.
Lassa Fever, while relatively unknown in the United States, is a formidable foe in West Africa, where it is endemic and claims thousands of lives annually.
The virus is typically transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats, a common rodent in the region.
Human-to-human transmission, although less common, can occur via direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids of a person with Lassa Fever.
The recent case in Iowa, which marks only the ninth known instance of Lassa Fever in a U.S. traveler since 1969, has raised concerns about our preparedness for such exotic diseases.
The patient, whose identity remains confidential, had returned from West Africa earlier this month and was admitted to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City.
Despite being placed in isolation, the individual tragically passed away, with tests from the Nebraska Laboratory Response Network confirming the cause of death as Lassa Fever.
Lassa Fever often begins with symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses: fever, fatigue, and headache.
However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe and horrifying symptoms, such as bleeding from the eyes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and severe pain in the back, chest, or stomach.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that the risk to the general public, including fellow airline passengers of the deceased, is “extremely low,” as the patient was not symptomatic during travel.
Moreover, Lassa Fever is not contagious before symptoms appear and does not spread through casual contact.
Here are some steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, particularly if travel to West Africa or other affected regions is on the horizon:
1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about the regions you plan to visit and any health advisories in effect.
2. Avoid Contact with Rodents: In areas where Lassa Fever is prevalent, avoid contact with potential rodent carriers. Keep accommodations clean and food stored securely.
3. Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers can reduce the risk of many infections, not just Lassa Fever.
4. Seek Medical Advice: If you're feeling unwell after traveling, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional and mention your travel history.
5. Stay Updated: Follow travel advisories and health updates from reliable sources like the CDC.
In a previous story, Rwanda announced that it has controlled the outbreak of Marburg fever, another Ebola-like disease, according to the Africa CDC.
In response to the Iowa case, the CDC is working closely with local health officials to trace and monitor individuals who may have been in contact with the patient after they became symptomatic.
Those identified will be observed for a 21-day incubation period to ensure the virus does not spread further.
Remember, while the risk of contracting Lassa Fever in the U.S. remains low, staying informed and prepared is the best defense against any health threat.
Let's continue to support each other in fostering a community that's not only wise but also well-protected.
Have you or someone you know ever encountered a rare disease while traveling? What precautions do you take to stay healthy on the go? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Stay informed on what could affect us all.
Lassa Fever, while relatively unknown in the United States, is a formidable foe in West Africa, where it is endemic and claims thousands of lives annually.
The virus is typically transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats, a common rodent in the region.
Lassa Fever, though rare in the U.S., is a deadly threat in West Africa. Image source: Pexels.
Human-to-human transmission, although less common, can occur via direct contact with the blood, urine, feces, or other bodily fluids of a person with Lassa Fever.
The recent case in Iowa, which marks only the ninth known instance of Lassa Fever in a U.S. traveler since 1969, has raised concerns about our preparedness for such exotic diseases.
The patient, whose identity remains confidential, had returned from West Africa earlier this month and was admitted to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City.
Despite being placed in isolation, the individual tragically passed away, with tests from the Nebraska Laboratory Response Network confirming the cause of death as Lassa Fever.
Lassa Fever often begins with symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses: fever, fatigue, and headache.
However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe and horrifying symptoms, such as bleeding from the eyes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and severe pain in the back, chest, or stomach.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that the risk to the general public, including fellow airline passengers of the deceased, is “extremely low,” as the patient was not symptomatic during travel.
Moreover, Lassa Fever is not contagious before symptoms appear and does not spread through casual contact.
Here are some steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, particularly if travel to West Africa or other affected regions is on the horizon:
1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about the regions you plan to visit and any health advisories in effect.
2. Avoid Contact with Rodents: In areas where Lassa Fever is prevalent, avoid contact with potential rodent carriers. Keep accommodations clean and food stored securely.
3. Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers can reduce the risk of many infections, not just Lassa Fever.
4. Seek Medical Advice: If you're feeling unwell after traveling, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional and mention your travel history.
5. Stay Updated: Follow travel advisories and health updates from reliable sources like the CDC.
In a previous story, Rwanda announced that it has controlled the outbreak of Marburg fever, another Ebola-like disease, according to the Africa CDC.
In response to the Iowa case, the CDC is working closely with local health officials to trace and monitor individuals who may have been in contact with the patient after they became symptomatic.
Those identified will be observed for a 21-day incubation period to ensure the virus does not spread further.
Remember, while the risk of contracting Lassa Fever in the U.S. remains low, staying informed and prepared is the best defense against any health threat.
Let's continue to support each other in fostering a community that's not only wise but also well-protected.
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