Forum Topic

Lassa Fever

The first person in the UK has died of Lassa Fever. Are we prepared for this. I have not heard anything about it from the goverment!

Nicholas Beard ● 1288d5 Comments

There have been epidemics elsewhere too eg in South America. It is passed through bpdily fluids and those nursing the ill can get it.  Luckily does not appear to be as infectious as Covid but does need to be recognised and diagnosed quickly.

Philippa Bond ● 1280d

If what I’ve read is to be believed, Lassa spreads through exposure to the body fluids of an infected person or food/household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected rats. Unlike SARS‑CoV‑2, it is not known to transmit through airborne particles. I hope I’m correct in thinking that there should be very little risk to us here in the UK.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1288d

Where did the £billion plus a month go, while we are talking of funding? Remember the red bus?

Nicholas Beard ● 1288d

In the 'i' today - confined to one family group and there seems to be connection with a visit to West Africa where this is endemic.

Vanessa Smith ● 1288d

I haven't heard anything about this on the radio yet I remember it from epidemics of the past.  We rely heavily on all our public health services to be able to intervene to stop epidemics turning into pandemics and need to be supporting them to do so rather than fragmenting them and starving them of funds.

Philippa Bond ● 1288d