Deadly Virus from West Africa Surfaces in Iowa

Recently, Iowa reported a death from Lassa fever, a disease similar to Ebola. The patient, from eastern Iowa, had traveled back from West Africa. State health officials assured that the risk of spreading the virus in Iowa is very low. Health workers are investigating and monitoring the situation, ensuring proper public health protocols are followed. The person was treated at University of Iowa Health Care, but details about the duration of care or previous healthcare visits weren’t provided. Person-to-person spread of Lassa fever is rare but can happen in healthcare settings if precautions aren’t taken. Lab tests in Nebraska confirmed the patient had Lassa fever, with further confirmation expected from the CDC. The exact timeline of the patient's symptoms or return to the U. S. was not disclosed. The CDC noted that the risk to airline passengers was extremely low. Lassa fever is rare in the U. S. , with only eight known imported cases over the past 55 years. Two cases resulted in death, one in 2015 and another in 2004, both in New Jersey. A patient from Minnesota recovered in 2014. Lassa fever is common in West African countries like Nigeria and Liberia, causing numerous infections and deaths each year. The virus is spread through contact with infected rodents or contaminated items. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including bleeding and organ failure. Most cases occur due to animal contact, but hospital transmission is possible. Experts believe the likelihood of further spread in the U. S. is low, but healthcare workers are taking necessary precautions.