Health officials are currently investigating the death of an Iowa resident on Monday as a suspected case of Lassa fever, a rare viral disease in the U.S. The patient had recently returned from West Africa and was not symptomatic during travel, minimizing the risk to fellow passengers.
Lassa fever is not transmitted through casual contact and patients are not considered infectious before symptoms appear. The patient was admitted to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center and tested positive for Lassa fever by the Nebraska Laboratory Response Network.
This incident marks the ninth known case of Lassa fever in travelers returning to the U.S. since 1969. Symptoms of the disease typically include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and respiratory issues.
Health authorities are currently tracing individuals who had contact with the patient post-symptom onset for monitoring. The virus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents' urine or feces in West Africa.
While Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa, with thousands of cases reported annually, it is a rare occurrence in the U.S. The CDC is collaborating with Iowa health officials to investigate the source of the infection and prevent further spread.
Efforts are underway to educate the public on the disease and its transmission methods to mitigate any potential risks. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
