UK officials are investigating for any possible cases of Lasa fever after a passenger from England, who have since returned to Nigeria, are known to be infected.

The virus does not spread easily among people, and the overall risk for the public is very low, Experts advise.

They say that no one is likely to contact anyone yet by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

In some West African countries, where the disease is spatial, people usually become infected through exposure to food, or household items contaminated with urine or stool of mice.

Lasa fever is rare in Britain, but there have been a small number of cases before – Recently in 2022.

Britain officials say they are “well equipped to identify those who have lassa fever” to limit any proliferation of infection.

Ukhsa says that it is “working on speed” to find anyone who can contact the person who had a lasa fever.

Deputy Director of UK Health Security Agency, Dr. Meera Chand said: “Our health safety teams are working in pace to come in contact with those who were in touch with the person in England to ensure that they want proper medical care and testing that they develop any symptoms.

“The infection does not spread easily among people, and the overall risk for the UK population is very low.”

People who are found to have Lassa fever will receive helpful treatment, which means that they will be provided fluids, will be monitored for symptoms, and treated with drugs, based on which they have symptoms. Currently there is not an effective single treatment for the disease.

• It can be spread through contact with physical fluids (blood, saliva, urine or semen) of infected people
• Human beings can also achieve this by exposure to urine or stool of infected rodents that carry the disease
• Often, people who are infected have no symptoms
• Disease can cause symptoms like fever and flu, as well as bleeding through the nose, mouth and other parts of the body.
• Most people will be completely cured but the disease can be fatal

Source: UKHSA