Suspected Lassa fever death in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has announced the death of a middle-aged Iowa resident who had recently returned from a trip to Africa. It is suspected that he may have contracted Lassa fever. The patient was promptly admitted and isolated at the University Hospital of Iowa City. Initial tests indicated that Lassa fever was the cause of death, but new tests are underway. Individuals in close contact with the patient will be monitored for three weeks. According to the CDC, which is evaluating the case to confirm the diagnosis of Lassa fever, the risk to the public is extremely low. Lassa fever is a potentially serious viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, an RNA virus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. It is prevalent mainly in Africa, with the rodent Mastomys serving as the main reservoir. In 80% of cases, the disease is mild or even asymptomatic. Nevertheless, in the remaining 20% of cases, it can present as a severe systemic disease.