West African Virus Takes Life in Iowa: A Rare Case of Lassa Fever

In Iowa, a resident has recently died due to a rare virus called Lassa fever. This virus, originating in West Africa, can lead to permanent hearing loss in one-third of cases. Pregnant women aren't safe either; about 95% of infected pregnant women miscarry. The individual, who traveled back to the US from West Africa recently, was hospitalized in isolation at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center. Tests from the Nebraska Laboratory Response Network confirmed the presence of Lassa fever. This isn't the first case in the US. Since 1969, only nine cases have been documented. Health officials are currently working to identify people who had close contact with the deceased patient. These individuals will be monitored for 21 days. Lassa fever symptoms range from mild signs like fever and headaches to severe problems such as bleeding and difficulty breathing. The virus is usually spread by rodents, specifically a certain type of West African rat. However, it can also spread through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. To add to the complexity, the deadly illness remains undetectable until symptoms appear. The Iowa patient is thought to have come into contact with these rats during their travels. In West Africa, Lassa fever claims up to 300, 000 lives each year. On average, about 5, 000 deaths occur annually. It's crucial to note that the virus doesn't spread through casual contact like hugging or shaking hands. Instead, it requires direct contact with an infected person's body fluids.