As if the current nightmare called coronavirus were not enough, in the UK, things seem to be getting worse, and new stress is terrifying people following the latest news.
IFL Science notes that there are two people who have been diagnosed with Lassa fever in England, while another potential case is under investigation.
This is what the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
The online publication mentioned above notes the fact that the two cases, within the same family in the East of England, have been linked to recent travel to West Africa.
Here, the virus is endemic in the population.
As IFL Science notes, one of the cases has already recovered, but the other is still being treated at a specialist secure care unit at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Most people recover
It’s also worth noting the fact that, fortunately, most people can fully recover from the disease, especially if treatment is promptly received.
“Cases of Lassa fever are rare in the UK and it does not spread easily between people. The overall risk to the public is very low. We are contacting the individuals who have had close contact with the cases prior to confirmation of their infection, to provide appropriate assessment, support, and advice.”
This is what Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said in a statement.
The online publication mentioned above notes the following important details about the disease:
“Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. Around 80 percent of people infected with the Lassa virus have no symptoms, but some can develop a severe disease involving tiredness, fever, and weakness, followed by a headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain.”
CDC says that there are between 100,000 to 300,000 infections that occur each year, with approximately 5,000 deaths.
