WHO: Lassa Fever Outbreak in Liberia

Lassa Fever is endemic in Liberia and has continued to spread throughout the country. On January 9, 2018, a patient from Guinea with a fever, neck pain, and body pain was admitted to a local hospital and passed away two days later due to an infection with Lassa Fever. Between January 1, 2017, and January 23, 2018, there have been 33 laboratories confirmed cases of Lassa Fever and 15 deaths. Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted to humans through contact with items contaminated with aerosolized rat urine. In Guinea, in-depth investigations are underway and disease surveillance has been increased. The WHO is emphasizing the importance of sanitation and hygiene in preventing the spread of Lassa Fever.  To read more about the outbreak, click here.