Epoch HealthDeath From Lassa Virus Reported in US

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A recent Lassa fever fatality in Iowa marks the ninth documented US case since 1969 among travelers returning from West Africa. The case highlights the critical importance of considering travel history and distinguishing between hemorrhagic fevers in differential diagnosis, particularly given symptom overlap with diseases like Ebola.

Key Points:

• Patient contracted Lassa virus in West Africa and died at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center
• No symptoms presented during travel; exposure likely occurred through contact with infected rodents
• Contact tracing protocol initiated with 21-day monitoring period for exposed individuals
• Endemic regions include Benin, Ghana, and Sierra Leone
• Clinical statistics: 80% of cases asymptomatic; 15% mortality rate among hospitalized severe cases; 1% overall mortality rate
• Annual burden in West Africa: 100,000-300,000 cases with 5,000 deaths
• Prevention focuses on rodent control through proper food storage and waste management

“I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state.”
– Dr. Robert Kruse, Iowa Medical Director

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