Lassa fever cases identified in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported three recently confirmed cases of Lassa fever in England, including one death. The cases are within the same family and have been linked with recent travel to West Africa.

Lassa fever is a type of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) endemic in parts of West Africa and is transmitted via the urine or droppings from infected rodents (Mastomys rats). Transmission can also occur via body fluids of infected people.

The UKHSA advise that the risk to the public remains very low.

Source: UKHSA, 16 February 2022