E-alert 24 July: Case of Lassa fever imported into Germany from Sierra Leone

Communication, Collective Unit for Surveillance and; Response, Collective Unit for Preparedness and; team, Collective Editorial

doi:10.2807/esw.11.30.03008-en

Cited by 5 publications

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“…Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral zoonotic illness caused by Lassa virus (an arenavirus), and characterized by fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and chest and abdominal pain [1]. An estimated 29 imported cases of LF have been documented worldwide, one third of which was fatal [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…LF is endemic in West African countries (Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia). In Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin, sero-prevalence was found to be lower, but isolated cases show evidence of viral circulation [3][4][5]. Across this sub-region, LF affects about 3-5 million individuals yearly, and causes about 5,000 to 10,000 deaths [7,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection Among Survivours at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Ilesanmi

Owoeye-Lawal

Aro

et al. 2020

Preprint

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BackgroundThere exists paucity of information regarding successfully managed Lassa Fever (LF) patients. This study is aimed at determining the perceived risk factors for LF infection among patients who had been managed and on follow up at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. MethodsA cross sectional study of 101 LF survivors who had been managed and attending follow up clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Owo was done. Data were collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Respondents were assessed for symptoms and factors that may have predisposed them to LF, and data analyzed with SPSS version 23. Those who had more than three identifiable risks were categorised as high risk. Descriptive statistics was done, and association between socio-demographic characteristics and high risk were explored using chi square test. ResultsThe median age of respondents was 33 years (range 8-85 years), 61.4% were males, 92.1% have heard of LF prior to being diagnosed, 55.9% heard through the mass media. The perceived cause of Lassa fever infection among respondents included consumption of food contaminated by rats’ feces among 57(56.4%) persons, while 16 (15.8) attributed their infection to contact with LF-infected persons. Among respondents with primary education and below, 5 (29.4%) had high risk of Lassa fever infection compared to 7 (8.3%) with secondary education and above (p=0.014). ConclusionMass media and other sources of information should be well harnessed in the communication of risks and preventive practices for LF. Health education should be intensified both in hospitals and schools to capture both young and old in LF prevention activities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection Among Survivours at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Ilesanmi

Owoeye-Lawal

Aro

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Travellers and viral haemorrhagic fevers: what are the risks?

Beeching

Fletcher

Hill

et al. 2010

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

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Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are caused by zoonotic viral infections transmitted to humans directly or by ticks or mosquitoes. The overall risk to travellers is conservatively estimated at <1 in 1 million travel episodes to African countries where infection is present, and febrile patients returning from these countries are at least 1000 times more likely to have malaria than Lassa fever or another VHF. No cases have been reported in fellow travellers exposed to a travelling case and only one asymptomatic seroconversion (to Lassa) has been reported in over 2000 contacts following care of VHF cases in modern Western hospital settings. However, healthcare-associated transmission of infection has been a major problem in some endemic settings. The potential for healthcare-associated infection and the threats posed by unrecognised or new agents necessitate a high index of suspicion and a standardised risk assessment approach to febrile travellers. Travel-related hantavirus infections are increasingly being reported from Europe and the Americas. This article summarises the epidemiology and reports of travel-related VHF cases in the past 40 years, together with strategies for their recognition, management and prevention.

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Transportation capacity for patients with highly infectious diseases in Europe: a survey in 16 nations

Schilling

Maltezou

Fusco³

et al. 2019

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

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Highly infectious diseases (HIDs) are defined as being transmissible from person to person, causing life-threatening illnesses and presenting a serious public health hazard. In most European Union member states specialized isolation facilities are responsible for the management of such cases. Ground ambulances are often affiliated with those facilities because rapid relocation of patients is most desirable. To date, no pooled data on the accessibility, technical specifications and operational procedures for such transport capacities are available. During 2009, the 'European Network for HIDs' conducted a cross-sectional analysis of hospitals responsible for HID patients in Europe including an assessment of (a) legal aspects; (b) technical and infrastructure aspects; and (c) operational procedures for ground ambulances used for HID transport. Overall, 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries were evaluated and feedback rates ranged from 78% to 100% (n = 37 to n = 48 centres). Only 46.8% (22/47) of all centres have both national and local guidelines regulating HID patient transport. If recommended, specific equipment is found in 90% of centres (9/10), but standard ambulances in only 6/13 centres (46%). Exclusive entrances (32/45; 71%) and pathways (30/44; 68.2%) for patient admission, as well as protocols for disinfection of ambulances (34/47; 72.3%) and equipment (30/43; 69.8%) exist in most centres. In conclusion, the availability and technical specifications of ambulances broadly differ, reflecting different preparedness levels within the European Union. Hence, regulations for technical specifications and operational procedures should be harmonized to promote patient and healthcare worker safety.

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E-alert 24 July: Case of Lassa fever imported into Germany from Sierra Leone

Abstract: A 68 year old man who recently travelled from Sierra Leone to Germany via Belgium has been diagnosed with Lassa fever

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection Among Survivours at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Risk Factors for Lassa Fever Infection Among Survivours at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Travellers and viral haemorrhagic fevers: what are the risks?

Transportation capacity for patients with highly infectious diseases in Europe: a survey in 16 nations

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