Lassa Fever Outbreak Reaches Several Nigerian States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions notice regarding the Lassa Fever outbreak in the west African country of Nigeria.

On March 1, 2023, the CDC confirmed there is an outbreak of Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic fever, in several states in Nigeria.

Visitors to Nigeria should seek medical care immediately if they develop (during or after travel) fever, chills, headache, fatigue, bleeding, trouble breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, or pain in the chest, back, and abdomen.

Before the pandemic, about 5 million people visit Nigeria annually, with Niger and India as the most frequent countries of origin of tourists in Nigeria, reports Statista. 

However, as of March 5, 2023, no Lassa fever vaccines are available.

But treatment with antiviral medicine is most effective during the early stages of illness.