CDC Press Release: Lassa Fever Reported in U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa

CDC Press Release: Lassa Fever Reported in U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa

CDC Press Release: Lassa Fever Reported in U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent this bulletin at 04/04/2014 03:50 PM EDT

Press Release

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 4, 2014
Contact: CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Lassa Fever Reported in U.S. Traveler Returning from West Africa

Contact investigation under way; risk to other travelers considered extremely low

The CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have confirmed a diagnosis of Lassa fever in a person returning to the United States from West Africa. The patient was admitted to a hospital in Minnesota on March 31 with symptoms of fever and confusion. Blood samples submitted to CDC tested positive for Lassa fever on April 3. The patient is recovering and is in stable condition.

“This imported case is a reminder that we are all connected by international travel. A disease anywhere can appear anywhere else in the world within hours,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

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