A resident of Iowa has passed away after contracting Lassa fever, a rare and serious viral disease that can result in symptoms similar to other hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola.
This illness, endemic to West Africa, is seldom seen in the United States and is primarily transmitted by rodents native to the region. Health officials reported that the Iowa resident had recently returned from West Africa, where they may have come into contact with infected rodents.
Upon returning to Iowa, the individual did not initially exhibit symptoms, meaning the risk to fellow airline passengers is “extremely low,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of Lassa fever typically develop one to three weeks after exposure to the virus, which is primarily spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contact with contaminated rodent droppings. The patient was isolated at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, where testing confirmed the presence of Lassa fever.
This case marks the ninth known instance of Lassa fever detected in a US traveler since the virus was first recognized in 1969. The CDC is now working closely with Iowa health officials to identify and monitor individuals who may have come into contact with the patient after symptoms began, an approach consistent with standard protocols. Those identified as having close contact will be observed for 21 days to monitor for symptoms.
Lassa fever cases are typically mild, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache. However, in severe cases, individuals may experience bleeding, respiratory issues, and even organ failure. The CDC reports that 1 in 3 patients with Lassa fever experience some degree of hearing loss, and pregnant women who contract the virus face high risks, with approximately 95% of infected pregnancies resulting in miscarriage.
In West Africa, Lassa fever is relatively common, with an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases each year and around 5,000 deaths. There is no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever, though the CDC and World Health Organization continue to emphasize preventive measures, such as improved sanitation and rodent control, to reduce the risk of transmission.
In response to this case, Robert Kruse, the state medical director of Iowa, emphasized that the risk of transmission remains low and assured residents that necessary public health protocols are being implemented.
The Daily Mail, the Washington Post, New York Post contributed to this report.
