Sat Mar 08 07:08:13 UTC 2025: ## UK Health Authorities Investigate Potential Lassa Fever Case
**London, UK** – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a potential case of Lassa fever in England. A person who recently travelled to England from Nigeria was diagnosed with the viral illness after returning to Nigeria. The UKHSA is now actively tracing individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person while they were in the UK to prevent any further spread.
Lassa fever, which shares symptoms with Ebola, is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or bodily fluids of an infected person. While the virus is endemic to parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, it does not spread easily between humans.
The UKHSA is urging people to be aware of the symptoms, which can range from mild (fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain) to severe (bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and facial swelling). Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe complications.
The agency is working to contain any potential spread and emphasizes that the risk to the general public remains low. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
First Piper 