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When is fever an emergency. When Is a Fever an Emergency? Essential Guidelines for Seeking Urgent Care

What temperature constitutes a fever emergency. How to recognize when a fever requires immediate medical attention. What are the signs of a dangerous fever in infants, children, and adults. When should you go to the ER for a fever.

Understanding Fever: More Than Just a Number

Fever is often misunderstood, but it plays a crucial role in our body’s defense mechanisms. The hypothalamus, our brain’s temperature control center, typically maintains our body at around 98.6°F (37°C). When this temperature rises, it’s usually a sign that our immune system is actively fighting an infection.

Why does our body increase its temperature? The elevated heat creates an inhospitable environment for viruses and bacteria, making it harder for them to replicate. While a mild fever can be a positive sign of a functioning immune response, it’s essential to recognize when a fever becomes dangerous.

Causes of Fever Beyond Infections

Although infections are the most common cause of fevers, they’re not the only culprit. Other potential triggers include:

  • Amphetamine abuse
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Environmental factors (e.g., heat stroke)
  • Certain medications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Some types of cancer

The Dangers of High Fever: When Temperature Becomes a Threat

While fever is generally a protective mechanism, extremely high temperatures can pose serious risks. When body temperature exceeds 105°F (40.6°C), it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

What happens to the body during extreme fever? At these high temperatures, proteins and body fats are exposed to severe stress, which can impair their normal functions. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures may result in:

  • Cellular stress
  • Infarctions (areas of tissue death due to lack of blood supply)
  • Necrosis (premature death of cells in living tissue)
  • Seizures
  • Delirium

Given these risks, it’s crucial to know when a fever requires immediate medical attention. Let’s explore the specific guidelines for different age groups.

Fever in Infants: When Every Degree Matters

For infants younger than 90 days old, any fever can be a cause for concern. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections. Parents should be vigilant and seek emergency care if a fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

  • Changes in appetite or feeding patterns
  • Alterations in behavior or sleep routines
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Signs of a cold
  • Rash or skin discoloration
  • Eye discharge
  • Difficulty waking for feeds
  • Breathing problems

Is a slightly elevated temperature always an emergency in infants? While not every fever in infants requires a trip to the ER, it’s always better to err on the side of caution with very young babies. Their inability to communicate discomfort verbally means that even subtle changes can be significant.

Fever in Toddlers and Young Children: Navigating the Gray Area

For babies between 90 days and 36 months old, the guidelines for seeking emergency care are similar to those for younger infants. However, there’s an additional factor to consider: immunization status.

Should you take an unimmunized child with a fever to the ER? Yes, if your baby is not immunized and develops a fever, it’s advisable to seek emergency care. Unvaccinated children are at higher risk for certain serious infections, and a fever could be an early warning sign.

For children older than 36 months, parents should be alert to additional symptoms that, when combined with a fever, warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Persistent discomfort communicated by the child
  • Any of the symptoms listed for younger children

Adult Fevers: When to Take It Seriously

Adults generally have more robust immune systems than children, but certain fever symptoms should never be ignored. Emergency care is necessary if an adult experiences a fever along with:

  • Severe headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Nausea, confusion, or rash (potential signs of meningitis)
  • Confusion, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness (possible indicators of heat stroke)

Are there specific medical conditions that make fever more dangerous for adults? Yes, certain health conditions can make fever a more serious concern. Adults should seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever and:

  • A compromised immune system
  • Recently undergone chemotherapy
  • The fever lasts more than three days
  • The fever rises above 103°F (39.4°C)

The Role of Emergency Rooms in Fever Treatment

Emergency rooms play a crucial role in managing potentially dangerous fevers. At facilities like Advance ER in Dallas, patients receive comprehensive care aimed at both treating the fever and identifying its underlying cause.

What can you expect when you visit the ER for a fever? The medical team will typically:

  1. Assess your vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
  2. Conduct a physical examination
  3. Take a detailed medical history
  4. Perform necessary diagnostic tests, which may include blood tests, urine analysis, or imaging studies
  5. Administer treatments to reduce the fever and address any identified underlying conditions

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle complications that may arise from high fevers, making them the safest place for patients with potentially dangerous temperature elevations.

Prevention and Home Care: Managing Fevers Safely

While knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial, understanding how to manage milder fevers at home is equally important. Here are some strategies for safe fever management:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
  • Rest to allow your body to focus energy on fighting the infection
  • Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
  • Apply a cool, damp cloth to the forehead or take a lukewarm bath
  • Dress in light, breathable clothing
  • Monitor temperature regularly

Can fever be prevented? While it’s not always possible to prevent fever, you can reduce your risk of infections that cause fever by:

  • Practicing good hand hygiene
  • Staying up-to-date with vaccinations
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are ill

Understanding Fever in Special Populations

Certain groups of people may need to be extra cautious when it comes to fever. These include:

Pregnant Women

Fever during pregnancy can potentially harm the developing fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider promptly if they develop a fever, especially in the first trimester.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may not always develop a significant fever even when fighting an infection. Any change in an elderly person’s normal temperature, along with other symptoms, should be taken seriously.

Immunocompromised Patients

People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or certain medications are at higher risk for severe infections. They should seek medical attention for any fever, even if it’s low-grade.

How does fever management differ for these special populations? The threshold for seeking medical care is generally lower for these groups. They may require more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring, even for seemingly mild fevers.

The Future of Fever Management: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

As medical science progresses, our approach to fever management continues to evolve. Some exciting developments include:

Wearable Technology

Smart thermometers and other wearable devices can now continuously monitor body temperature, providing early warnings of fever onset and helping track its progression.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

New rapid diagnostic tests can quickly identify the cause of a fever, allowing for more targeted treatment.

Novel Antipyretic Medications

Researchers are exploring new drugs that can more effectively and safely reduce fever, particularly in high-risk populations.

Personalized Medicine

As we gain a better understanding of individual genetic and immunological differences, fever management may become more tailored to each patient’s unique profile.

What impact will these advancements have on emergency care for fevers? These developments could potentially reduce the need for emergency room visits by enabling earlier intervention and more precise home management of fevers. However, they will also enhance the capabilities of emergency departments to quickly diagnose and treat serious fever-related conditions.

The Psychology of Fever: Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Fever can be a source of significant anxiety, especially for parents of young children or individuals with chronic health conditions. This anxiety can sometimes lead to unnecessary emergency room visits or, conversely, dangerous delays in seeking needed care.

How can individuals manage fever-related anxiety?

  • Education: Understanding what fever is, its purpose, and when it becomes dangerous can help alleviate unnecessary worry.
  • Preparation: Having a plan in place for managing fever can provide a sense of control.
  • Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with healthcare providers can provide reassurance and guidance.
  • Mindfulness techniques: Practices like deep breathing or meditation can help manage stress during illness.

Is there a risk of becoming too complacent about fever? While it’s important not to panic at every slight temperature elevation, it’s equally crucial not to dismiss fever entirely. Striking a balance between vigilance and calm is key to appropriate fever management.

Global Perspectives on Fever Management

Approaches to fever management can vary significantly across different cultures and healthcare systems. In some countries, fever is viewed with greater alarm and may prompt more immediate medical intervention. In others, there’s a tendency to let fevers run their course unless accompanied by severe symptoms.

How do these cultural differences impact fever outcomes? While definitive data is limited, these variations in approach can affect everything from antibiotic use to hospitalization rates. However, global health organizations are working towards more standardized guidelines for fever management, especially in the context of infectious disease outbreaks.

What can we learn from diverse approaches to fever? Studying different cultural perspectives on fever can provide valuable insights into alternative management strategies and help refine our understanding of when medical intervention is truly necessary.

The Environmental Impact of Fever Management

As we consider fever management, it’s also worth examining its environmental implications. The production and disposal of fever-reducing medications, the energy consumption of diagnostic equipment, and the carbon footprint of emergency room visits all contribute to the environmental impact of fever care.

How can we make fever management more environmentally friendly? Some potential strategies include:

  • Promoting appropriate use of fever-reducing medications to reduce unnecessary consumption
  • Developing more energy-efficient medical equipment
  • Encouraging telemedicine consultations when appropriate to reduce travel-related emissions
  • Implementing environmentally friendly waste management practices in healthcare settings

Can sustainable practices in fever management improve health outcomes? While the primary focus of fever management will always be patient health, adopting more sustainable practices can contribute to overall public health by reducing environmental pollutants and preserving resources for future healthcare needs.

The Economic Burden of Fever-Related Emergency Care

Fever-related emergency room visits represent a significant economic burden on both individual patients and healthcare systems. Understanding this economic impact is crucial for developing efficient and cost-effective fever management strategies.

What are the main contributors to the cost of fever-related emergency care?

  • Diagnostic tests and imaging studies
  • Medication costs
  • Healthcare provider time and expertise
  • Facility and equipment use
  • Potential hospitalization for severe cases

How can we reduce the economic burden of fever-related emergency care? Some potential strategies include:

  • Improving public education about appropriate fever management to reduce unnecessary ER visits
  • Enhancing primary care and urgent care capabilities to handle more fever cases
  • Implementing more efficient triage systems in emergency departments
  • Developing more cost-effective diagnostic tools and treatments

Can telemedicine play a role in reducing fever-related healthcare costs? Yes, telemedicine consultations can potentially reduce the need for in-person emergency room visits for many fever cases, leading to significant cost savings. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this approach doesn’t compromise patient safety or delay necessary in-person care when truly needed.

When to Go to the ER with a Fever

What Is a Fever?

The term “fever” gets tossed around a lot, but the details of what a fever does for your body are not often discussed. A fever is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or infection. The part of your brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for controlling body temperature, and the normal body temperature lies at around 98.6°F or 37°C.

A fever occurs when your body is trying to kill a virus or bacteria that causes an infection. This is because a higher temperature makes the body a less welcoming host for replicating viruses and bacteria. A mild fever is a good indication that your immune system is doing its job, but fevers are not always brought on by infections. Other potential causes of fever include amphetamine abuse, alcohol withdrawal and environmental fevers like heat stroke.

When Should You Go to the ER for a Fever?

While it’s true that a fever typically means your immune system is hard at work, the fever can sometimes raise to unhealthy levels. When the body temperature exceeds 105°F, it exposes the proteins and body fats to temperature stressors that can interfere with their functioning. Prolonged exposure can lead to cellular stress, infarctions, necrosis, seizures and delirium.

To prevent these conditions from occurring, here are some signs that a fever warrants a trip to the ER.

For an Infant Younger than 90 Days Old

  • If changes in appetite are occurring along with the fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If changes in behavior or sleeping patterns accompany the fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If diarrhea or vomiting are occurring along with the fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant is constipated and has a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant has a cold and a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant has a rash or skin discoloration and a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant has eye discharge, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant is having difficulty waking up to feed alongside a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your infant is having difficulty breathing, you should seek emergency care.

For a Baby Between the Ages of 90 Days and 36 Months Old

  • If your baby is experiencing any of the symptoms above alongside a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your baby is not immunized and has a fever, you should seek emergency care.

For a Child Older than 36 Months Old

  • If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms above alongside a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your child is experiencing abdominal pain and has a fever, you should seek emergency care.
  • If your child is communicating feelings of persistent discomfort alongside a fever, you should seek emergency care.

For an Adult

  • If an adult is experiencing a painful headache and has a fever, they should seek emergency care.
  • If an adult is experiencing abdominal pain and has a fever, they should seek emergency care.
  • If an adult is having difficulty breathing or chest pain accompanied by a fever, they should seek emergency care.
  • If an adult has a compromised immune system and comes down with a fever, they should seek emergency care.
  • If an adult has had chemotherapy recently and has a fever, they should seek emergency care.
  • If the adult’s fever lasts for more than three days, they should seek emergency care.
  • If the adult’s fever rises above 103°F, they should seek emergency care.
  • If the adult’s fever is accompanied by nausea, confusion or a rash, they should seek emergency care as these symptoms may be caused by meningitis.
  • If the adult’s fever is accompanied by confusion, a rapid heartbeat or dizziness, they should seek emergency care as these may be signs of a heat stroke.

Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive. If you are doubtful that the fever will resolve on its own, it is best to have the condition examined by a medical professional.

What Will Advance ER in Dallas Do for a Fever?

At Advance ER, we offer top quality medical care 24/7, with emergency professionals who are experienced in treating all age groups. We are dedicated to giving every patient the best care available, and will work diligently to identify the cause of the fever and treat the underlying condition. Whether you are concerned about your child, a loved one or yourself, you can trust our integrative, advanced approach to health and wellness.

If you would like to learn more about Advance ER, please give us a call at (214) 494-8222, or find us online.

How To Know If You Should Go To The ER For A Fever

If you are otherwise healthy and alert, having a low-grade fever may not necessarily be cause for concern. However, an elevated temperature can be indicative of another process or illness that needs to be treated. A severe or prolonged fever can even cause complications on its own. Because there are a number of possible causes of fever, many of which trigger a similar set of symptoms, it can be challenging to self-diagnose your condition. The expert team of board-certified physicians at both of iCare ER & Urgent Care’s convenient locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX provides prompt and reliable evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for patients presenting with fever. Find out more about the possible causes of fever here, and learn what situations may warrant a visit to the ER for fever.

 

What is a fever?

For most adults, a normal body temperature is between 97°F and 99°F, though 98.6°F is generally accepted as the standard of normal. When a patient’s body temperature becomes elevated to 100.4°F or higher, he or she is considered to have a fever. Oftentimes, a fever indicates that the body is fighting off a virus, infection, or another pathogen. Common symptoms of a fever include:

 

  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite

 

What causes a fever?

There are a variety of potential reasons why a person’s body temperature may become elevated, either temporarily or for several days or weeks. Some of the most common causes of a fever include:

 

  • Virus
  • Infection
  • Cold and/or flu
  • Stomach bug
  • Recent vaccination
  • Heat exhaustion

 

How long does a fever last?

Depending on the cause of the fever, the patient’s overall health, what treatments are given, and other factors, a fever can last anywhere from several hours to several weeks. For some of the most common illnesses, such as the flu, most people demonstrate an elevated temperature for about 2 – 4 days.

 

How high is too high for a fever?

Fever of 103°F or above is considered high grade and should be treated immediately. However, even a low-grade fever may be a sign of a dangerous problem for infants and babies. If you are concerned about fever in your infant, your child, or yourself, visit your nearest Fort Worth or Frisco emergency room within iCare ER & Urgent Care’s unique dual-hybrid facility.

 

When should you go to the ER for a fever?

For patients who are otherwise healthy, alert, and have an obvious explanation for their low-grade fever – such as a cold – at-home remedies and monitoring may be sufficient. However, any fever above 103°F should be treated immediately in the ER. In addition, if you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms in conjunction with a fever, a trip to the ER is warranted:

 

  • Confusion
  • Severe pain (abdominal pain, headache, muscle pain, etc.)
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Skin rash or irritation
  • Protracted nausea or vomiting
  • Inability to eat or drink
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Seizure
  • Inability to stay awake
  • Fever of 103°F or higher
  • Fever lasting longer than 3 – 4 days (children)
  • Any fever (infants)

 

How is a fever treated in the ER?

To determine the cause of your fever, one of our board-certified ER physicians in Frisco or Fort Worth will perform a thorough examination, take a detailed health history, measure certain vital signs, and possibly draw laboratory studies. Depending on the severity of your condition, the cause of your fever, and other factors, your physician will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, which may include antibiotics, other medications, fluids, and rest.

 

Get prompt treatment and rapid relief for your fever by visiting your nearest emergency room in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX

Although some fevers can be treated at home, many cases of fever may indicate a serious problem and should be evaluated immediately. If you are concerned about a high-grade fever or any fever that is accompanied by abnormal or protracted symptoms, visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care center in either Fort Worth or Frisco, TX to be evaluated by one of our professional board-certified physicians for your acute illness and to get the effective treatment and rapid relief you deserve.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak an international emergency – RBC

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) an international emergency. It is reported by the Associated Press.

Recently, the fever has spread in the city of Goma on the border with Rwanda. It is noted that the city is an important transit point. However, WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade with the DRC.

According to the WHO, as of July 15, there were 2,512 cases of Ebola. 1676 people died.

The outbreak became known last August. In late November, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported that the outbreak had become the second largest ever. As of November 29, 2018, the number of people infected with the Ebola virus in the country has reached 426 people.

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Ebola
fever

Lassa fever – Nigeria

Outbreak summary

Nigeria is currently experiencing a major outbreak of Lassa fever, during which during the period from the 1st to the 15th epidemiological week of 2023 (week ending 16 April) There were 4702 suspected cases, five probable cases and 877 confirmed cases. Among cases with a confirmed diagnosis, 152 deaths were registered (case fatality rate 17%). Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and parts of West Africa, where the African polynipple rat is a major reservoir of the Lassa virus.

The implementation of anti-epidemic measures in connection with the current outbreak is difficult because the country currently has to respond to a number of emergencies at the same time.

The disease is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, and therefore the diagnosis can be difficult. Most infections (about 80%) caused by the Lassa virus are asymptomatic or mild. However, the infection can cause severe disease with multiple organ dysfunction, with or without bleeding. Therefore, laboratory testing is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been reported in states bordering Cameroon (Adamawa, Benue, Cross River and Taraba) and Benin (Oyo and Niger). The overall risk at the regional and global levels is assessed as low because the main route of transmission of Lassa virus is through contact with food or household items contaminated with rat excrement. There is a low level of human-to-human transmission.

Lassa fever epidemiological situation

Nigeria is experiencing a major outbreak of Lassa fever with 4702 suspected cases, five probable cases and 877 cases reported during the period 1st to 15th epidemiological week 2023 (week ending 16 April) with a confirmed diagnosis. Among cases with a confirmed diagnosis, 152 deaths were registered (case fatality rate 17%). The number of cases with a confirmed diagnosis increased by 20% compared to the same period in 2022 (733 cases).

Cases have been reported in 101 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 26 of 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Three states have a high concentration of confirmed cases (72%): Ondo (32%), Edo (29%) and Bauchi (11%). Laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been reported in states bordering Cameroon (Adamawa, Benue, Cross River and Taraba) and Benin (Oyo and Niger).

Lassa fever epidemiology

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected rodents of the genus Mastomys or by contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or droppings of infected rodents. Accordingly, the virus is transmitted to a person through cuts and scratches or by inhalation of dust particles contained in the air. Person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, but is rare. Secondary transmission in health care settings can occur when the disease is detected late and treatment is started, and when adequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are not followed.

Most Lassa virus infections (about 80%) are asymptomatic or mild, but in about 20% of cases the virus can cause severe disease, sometimes with multi-organ dysfunction with or without bleeding. Without proper laboratory testing, the diagnosis of Lassa fever is difficult due to the variety of possible symptoms of the disease, from asymptomatic infection to multiple organ failure and death.

In patients hospitalized with severe disease, the case fatality rate is typically between 1% and 15%. The disease is particularly severe in the later stages of pregnancy, with rates of maternal death and/or fetal loss exceeding 80% during the last trimester. Maintenance therapy with rehydration and symptomatic treatment in the early stages of the disease is essential to increase the chances of survival. The antiviral drug ribavirin is used to treat Lassa fever, but its effectiveness has not been proven. To date, there is no vaccine against Lassa fever.

The disease was first reported in 1969 in Borno State, Nigeria, where it is endemic. Transmission of infection is observed throughout the year. However, large seasonal outbreaks occur during the dry season, usually from December to April.

In 2023, 42 cases were reported among healthcare workers in 11 states during the period from the 1st to the 15th epidemiological week. During epidemiological week 15, 2023 (April 10–16), 141 new cases with suspected Lassa fever, nine new confirmed cases, and one new confirmed case with a fatal outcome (case fatality rate of 11%) were reported.

The implementation of anti-epidemic measures in connection with the current outbreak is difficult because the country currently has to respond to a number of emergencies at the same time. These include outbreaks of COVID-19, diphtheria, meningitis, measles, cholera and ongoing humanitarian crises. In addition, the country is forced to solve security problems, which makes it difficult to carry out anti-epidemic measures in a timely manner.

Public health response

The Nigerian Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and health authorities in affected states are taking the lead in controlling the outbreak. On January 28, 2023, the National Center for Emergency Situations (ECS) of the NCDC became operational, and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were sent to the states of Bauchi, Benue, Ebonyi, Edo, Ondo and Taraba.

Anti-epidemic measures include:

  • surveillance: detection, monitoring of cases and outbreaks of the disease and laboratory testing;
  • care for the sick;
  • preventive measures: educating the public about personal hygiene, food safety and rodent control in the place of residence and work;
  • response: prescribing antiviral drugs, supportive care to confirmed patients, and tracking contracted individuals to identify those who may have been exposed to the virus.

To strengthen the response to the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, the NCDC, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, developed a national outbreak prevention and control action plan. This plan includes measures to improve surveillance, increase the efficiency and capacity of national laboratories, increase public awareness and ensure greater access to treatment and care services for patients.

WHO risk assessment

Lassa fever is an acute hemorrhagic fever disease that is endemic in West Africa. Confirmed outbreaks and sporadic cases of Lassa fever have been reported in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria. In some regions, rodents of the genus Mastomys are eaten.

Nigeria is a Lassa fever endemic country and has developed the capacity to control outbreaks of this disease, but the overall risk at the national level is currently assessed as high due to several factors:

  • increase in the number of confirmed cases compared to the same period in previous epidemic seasons;
  • reduced national capacity due to the need to respond to a range of current health emergencies, which has overburdened the country’s health system and limited the availability of medical resources;
  • lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), which poses a high risk of spread of healthcare-associated infections;
  • delays in transporting biomaterial specimens for laboratory testing in several states resulting in delayed confirmation of diagnosis and provision of treatment and care;
  • Poor health infrastructure, poor sanitation and continued presence of virus-carrying rodents;
  • insufficient information and education of the public and health care workers about Lassa fever, which can lead to further delays in diagnosis and treatment and increases the risk of infection and the likelihood of death.

Overall regional and global risk is assessed as low because Lassa virus is transmitted to humans primarily from animals and there is low human-to-human transmission.

WHO guidelines

Prevention of Lassa fever involves good hygiene at the community level to control the entry of rodents into homes. Effective measures include keeping grains and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, removing waste disposal sites from homes, keeping homes clean, and keeping pet cats.

When caring for patients in health care settings, regardless of the suspected diagnosis, health care workers should always follow standard infection prevention and control measures. These measures include practicing hand and respiratory hygiene, using personal protective equipment against splashes or other contact with infectious materials, using safe injection practices, and ensuring the safe burial of the deceased.

Healthcare workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Lassa fever should take additional infection control measures to prevent contact with patients’ blood and body fluids, and with infected surfaces or materials, such as clothing and bedding. When in close contact with patients with Lassa fever (within one meter), healthcare workers need face protection (face shield or surgical mask and goggles), a clean, non-sterile long-sleeved gown, and gloves (sterile gloves are required for some medical procedures).

There are currently no registered vaccines to protect people against Lassa fever. In the early stages of the disease, the antiviral drug ribavirin may be an effective treatment for Lassa fever, but the evidence is conflicting. Evidence on the effectiveness of ribavirin as a post-exposure prophylactic for Lassa fever is not available.

WHO continues to recommend that all Lassa fever endemic countries improve their early case detection and treatment in order to reduce the number of deaths.

Based on available information, WHO does not recommend any restrictions on passenger or trade traffic for Nigeria.

Additional information

  • WHO. Health issues. Lassa fever (in English)
  • WHO.