Disease

Lassa Fever - Liberia

At least 38 suspected cases of Lassa fever and 15 deaths have been identified in Liberia since January, according to WHO.

Although WHO reports that additional cases are expected to occur, the risk for widespread transmission is considered to be low, and currently there are no travel or trade restrictions to Liberia.

Lassa fever is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to rodent urine or feces, according to WHO. Symptoms may include headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and abdominal pain. In severe cases, facial swelling, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure and bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract may occur. The disease also is associated with hearing loss in 25% of survivors.

As the symptoms of Lassa fever vary, it is often difficult to diagnose the disease, WHO reported. It also is difficult to distinguish from Ebola virus disease and other hemorrhagic fevers.