Covid has left an imprint on society, and people are wary of any new outbreak of contagion. An Iowa resident recently died of lhasa fever after returning from West Africa. Fever is a viral illness similar to Ebola. This has raised concerns among the CDC, prompting action.
Deadly Lassa Fever Case Identified in Iowa
A recent case of Lassa fever in Iowa has raised concerns among health officials and the public. An Iowa resident who had recently returned from West Africa died from the viral disease, which is known to cause severe symptoms including bleeding from the eyes. This alarming incident has prompted immediate action from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to trace contacts and assess the risk of spread.
Lassa fever, a viral disease similar to Ebola, is widespread in West Africa, with an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases reported each year. Every year, the disease kills about 5,000 people in the region. While the risk of community spread in the United States is deemed low, health officials are taking no chances and closely monitoring the situation.
#BREAKING U.S. death from Lassa fever, an Ebola-like virus, is reported in Iowa https://t.co/zGvBRaAWEP
— STAT (@statnews) October 28, 2024
CDC Response and Risk Assessment
The CDC is working closely with Iowa health officials to identify and track the patient’s contacts. Following the onset of symptoms, the affected individual was isolated at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center. Importantly, the patient was not symptomatic during flight, which reduces the risk to other passengers.
“extremely low” – officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This CDC assessment of the risk of community spread provides some reassurance. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in monitoring and preventing the spread of infectious diseases from around the world.
Woe.. speaking of Wonder woman and her lasso of truth..
LASSA fever makes rare appearance.
I made that gif.
No one's paying attention, just like at the mall, and the streets.
It's so awful for me.
Whatever LAW you think backs you, you bent that rule like a #Uturn
It's betrayal. pic.twitter.com/4IcQnVwdSM— MeeksZion🪙 (@MeeksZion) October 29, 2024
Understanding Lassa Fever
Lassa fever, discovered in Nigeria in 1969, is primarily transmitted by rodents. Contact with infected animal excretions is the mode of transmission to humans. Human-to-human transmission is uncommon, but it can occur when an infected person’s bodily fluids come into direct contact with you.
Symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include fever, fatigue, and headache, while severe cases may involve vomiting, difficulty breathing, and facial swelling. It’s worth noting that 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms, which can complicate detection and prevention efforts.
The virus has a case-fatality rate of about 1%, but pregnant women in late stages of pregnancy are at higher risk. This recent case in Iowa could potentially be the ninth known instance of Lassa fever in U.S. travelers since 1969, highlighting the rarity of the disease outside of West Africa.
For the general public, this case serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global health and the importance of remaining vigilant against infectious diseases. As recent global health challenges have demonstrated, early detection, rapid response, and public awareness are critical in preventing the spread of potentially fatal diseases.
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