In a tragic development, an Iowa resident who recently traveled to West Africa has passed away after contracting Lassa fever, a rare but deadly viral illness that is primarily found in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Iowa health officials confirmed the case on Monday, sharing that the middle-aged individual developed symptoms after returning to the United States. This is only the ninth reported travel-associated case of Lassa fever in the U.S. over the past 55 years.
Dr. Robert Kruse, the state medical director for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, assured residents that the risk of transmission is very low. “I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state,” he stated in a release. “We continue to investigate and monitor this situation and are implementing the necessary public health protocols.”
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a viral disease carried by multimammate rats, a common species in West Africa. People can contract the disease by coming into contact with these rodents or their urine, saliva, or droppings. In West Africa, around 100,000 to 300,000 cases of Lassa fever occur each year, leading to about 5,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While Lassa fever does have some severe cases, most people who get the virus experience only mild symptoms, which can include slight fever, headache, fatigue, and general weakness. More severe cases may develop complications such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, and even bleeding. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around one in five people who become infected will experience a severe form of the disease. The case fatality rate stands at about 1% overall but can reach up to 15% in patients who require hospitalization.
How Does Lassa Fever Spread?
Unlike some other viral hemorrhagic fevers, Lassa fever is not spread through the air, and casual contact — like shaking hands or hugging — does not transmit the virus. Instead, the virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, such as blood or saliva, or by exposure to items contaminated with infected rat droppings or urine. The CDC has confirmed that people with Lassa fever do not become contagious until they show symptoms, further reducing the risk of accidental transmission.
Out of caution, the CDC and Iowa health officials are identifying anyone who may have had close contact with the patient since symptoms appeared. These individuals will be monitored for up to 21 days, ensuring that any risk is swiftly managed.
Care and Containment
The Iowa resident received treatment at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center’s Special Pathogen Unit, a specialized facility designed for treating infectious diseases. The CDC has also verified that the individual was not sick while traveling, which means that the risk to airline passengers and the general public remains very low. The University of Iowa Health Care reassured the public that its hospital remains a safe place for all patients.
Symptoms and Treatment
Lassa fever symptoms can often resemble other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. Mild symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, and low fever, might not raise concern, but in severe cases, patients can experience significant complications that require intensive medical care. WHO reports that Lassa fever is fatal in around 1% of all cases, with higher mortality rates among those who are hospitalized.
While there is no approved vaccine for Lassa fever, treatment options do exist. An antiviral medication called ribavirin has shown effectiveness, especially when administered early in the course of the illness. Supportive therapies like pain relief and rehydration can also help manage symptoms.
Staying Safe
Even though the risk of Lassa fever transmission in Iowa and across the U.S. is minimal, public health authorities urge people, especially travelers, to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene. In areas where the virus is more common, avoiding contact with rodents and properly storing food can help prevent infection.
Dr. Kruse expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, reminding the public that while Lassa fever cases are extremely rare in the U.S., health authorities remain committed to closely monitoring the situation. Through cooperation with the CDC and local health facilities, they aim to ensure the health and safety of all residents.
This case is a solemn reminder of the interconnected nature of global health and the importance of understanding and respecting the risks associated with infectious diseases, especially for those traveling to areas where such diseases are endemic.