UK Confirms Lassa Fever Case from Nigeria, Officials Trace Contacts

A confirmed case of Lassa fever has been reported in the UK after an individual traveled from Nigeria while experiencing symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is actively tracing contacts of the infected person, who was diagnosed after returning to Nigeria. Lassa fever, a viral illness that can cause severe symptoms including bleeding and organ failure, is endemic in parts of West Africa; however, the UKHSA maintains that the overall risk to the public remains 'very low' as the virus does not easily spread between people. Most cases are mild, but the disease can lead to severe illness in a small percentage of patients. Health officials emphasize that people generally contract the virus through contact with contaminated food or surfaces, particularly those contaminated with rodent excrement. Dr. Meera Chand from UKHSA reassured the public that they should seek medical care if they experience symptoms but highlighted that the likelihood of exposure for the general population is minimal.