A CASE of Lassa fever has been reported in the Paris region.
The patient, a soldier who recently returned from abroad, is now being treated at the Bégin military hospital in Saint-Mandé, Paris.
It comes as Nigeria reported worst outbreak of the bug ever recorded.
Local health officials said “an in-depth epidemiological investigation is underway to determine those individuals who may have come into contact with him.”
It said his condition “does not give cause for concern.”
Lassa virus is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease that causes bleeding from the eyes, ears and mouth.
It is transmitted to humans by rodents and humans can also pass it to each other.
The virus – in the same family as Ebolabut not as deadly or contagious – has become endemic in a number of West African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, To go
In recent years, several travelers returning from Africa to Europe or the US have been found to have been infected with Lassa, but they have not spread the disease to others.
In 2022, three cases were reported in Britain in a family who had returned to Bedfordshire from West Africa, with a newborn baby baby who tragically dies from the virus.
It is currently listed on the World Health Organization's list of infamous pathogens that have epidemic or pandemic potential.
Most people with Lassa fever recover fully, but some people may become seriously ill.
It causes headacheweakness, coughvomit, diarrheamuscle pain and a a sore throat.
In severe cases, this can lead to internal bleeding, as well as breathing problems, facial swelling, chest pain and shock.
It is estimated that more than 200,000 people are infected every year, with several thousand deaths.
Treatment with an antiviral drug is sometimes effective, but only if given soon after the onset of the disease.
How it spreads
It is spread through contact with the urine, feces, saliva or blood of infected rats, and is most common in poorer communities.
The virus can spread from person to person in rare circumstances, especially when healthcare workers come into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
Last year, Nigeria had its worst outbreak on record, with 9,155 suspected cases, 1,270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths.
This year's caseload appears to be slightly lower, with 577 confirmed cases and 94 deaths confirmed in February, compared to the number of cases recorded in the same period last year.
Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever
THE incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from six to 21 days.
The onset of the disease, when symptomatic, is usually gradual and begins with fever, general weakness and malaise.
After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and abdominal pain may follow.
In severe cases, swelling of the face, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the eyes, mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure may occur.
The onset of the disease, when symptomatic, is usually gradual and begins with fever, general weakness and malaise.
After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and abdominal pain may follow.
In severe cases, swelling of the face, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the eyes, mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure may occur.
Source: The WHO