Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness and a designated High-Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID). Caused by the Lassa virus, it is primarily transmitted via contact with items contaminated by infected rodent urine or faeces. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.
Suspected case?
Immediately isolate the patient and contact the Imported Fever Service: 0844 778 8990.
For more detailed information, see:
gov.uk – Lassa Fever: Origins, Transmission & Guidelines
Symptoms
Early (non-specific):
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Fever
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Malaise / fatigue
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Headache
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Sore throat
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Muscle aches
Severe disease may include:
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Haemorrhage (e.g. gums, nose, GI)
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Respiratory distress
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Hypotension and shock
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Multi-organ failure
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Neurological signs (in late stages)
Consider Lassa Fever in any patient with:
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Fever of unknown origin
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Travel to endemic areas (West Africa) in the past 21 days
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Systemic symptoms not responding to standard treatment
Diagnosis
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Requires urgent escalation and specialist laboratory testing.
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Do not send specimens locally.
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PCR testing of blood or bodily fluids arranged via specialist services.
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Contact the Imported Fever Service on 0844 778 8990 to discuss any suspected case.
Infection Control & Risk to Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers are at risk due to potential exposure to bodily fluids of infected patients. Strict infection control measures must be followed to prevent transmission.
Please review HCID and notifiable disease SOP for further guidance- insert the link here for the SOP
Prevention & Public Health Advice
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No licensed vaccine currently available
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Avoid contact with:
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Blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals
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Contaminated personal items, bedding, and equipment
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Funeral practices involving direct contact with the deceased increase risk of infection
Post-Recovery Infectivity
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Patients may remain infectious via semen and urine post-recovery.
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Advice for patients:
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Abstain from sexual activity for 3 months
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Or use condoms throughout this period
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Managing Suspected Cases in IUC Settings
If Lassa Fever is suspected:
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Take a detailed travel history (especially West Africa within past 21 days).
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Contact the Imported Fever Service on 0844 778 8990 for urgent advice and testing coordination.
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Do not refer to ED without prior consultation with the HCID network.
- Please discuss the case with CC if you are considering a f2f review
📞 Key Contact
Imported Fever Service
Clinical and diagnostic advice for travel-associated febrile illness:
0844 778 8990
Available 24/7 for healthcare professionals.
🔍 Searchable Tags & Related Terms
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High-consequence infectious disease (HCID)
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Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF)
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Travel-related fever
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Lassa virus
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Rodent-borne illness
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Fever in returned traveller
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Isolation protocols – viral haemorrhagic fevers
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Imported infection management