An individual returning to Iowa from West Africa died earlier this week after contracting an Ebola-like virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the person likely contracted the virus after coming into contact with rodents while traveling in the region. The “middle-aged eastern Iowa resident” eventually succumbed to Lassa fever, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services said.
Since the patient did not show symptoms while traveling, the CDC says the risk that other passengers were infected is “extremely low.” The center is partnering with public health officials in Iowa to identify people who may have come into contact with the infected individual after their symptoms emerged.
Lassa fever, which produces symptoms similar to Ebola, can be transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, but it is not spread through casual human contact like sitting beside a symptomatic person on a flight. Humans can also contract the fever by coming into contact with rats or their saliva, urine, or droppings.
“This is a difficult time for the family of this individual and I want to express our deepest condolences,” Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, said in an October 28 press release.
“I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state. We continue to investigate and monitor this situation and are implementing the necessary public health protocols.”
Lassa fever is predominantly found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Once infected, patients can experience symptoms in as little as 48 hours or as long as three weeks.
Only eight cases of Lassa fever tied to traveling have been reported in the United States over the past 55 years. In West Africa, upwards of 300,000 cases are recorded annually, resulting in roughly 5,000 deaths. About 20% of people who contract Lassa fever will develop a severe form of the disease.