Suspicion of Lassa fever in Germany not confirmed

All-clear in two patients: suspicion of Lassa fever not confirmed
In recent days, an increasing number of infections with the Lassa virus in Germany have been reported. In two patients who were treated in a hospital in Dusseldorf with suspected Lassa fever, the clinic has now given the all-clear. The original suspicion has not been confirmed.

Suspicion in two patients not confirmed
There are currently reports of infections with the potentially fatal Lassa virus from various parts of the Republic. Only a few days ago it became known that a staff member of a funeral home in Alzey (Rhineland-Palatinate) had become infected with dangerous Lassa fever. The patient was admitted to the special isolation ward of the Frankfurt University Hospital. In Cologne, a few weeks ago a patient died of tropical Lassa fever. Two people who had contact with the deceased and were therefore treated in the University Hospital of Dusseldorf have probably not infected themselves with the virus. According to a message from the news agency dpa, the clinic now announced that the original suspicion was not confirmed in repeat tests.

In two patients treated in Dusseldorf at the special isolation ward of a clinic, the suspicion of Lassa fever has not been confirmed. (Image: designer491 / fotolia.com)

Continue on the special insulation station
However, the two patients continue to be at the hospital's special isolation ward. As has been reported, they are considered as suspected cases until the end of the incubation period is reached. This puts a total of three contact persons under surveillance in Düsseldorf. According to the clinic, her health was stable. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the incubation period lasts three to 21 days. "In principle, there is the possibility of infection, as long as there are viruses in the saliva, blood or other excretions," it says on the website of the RKI. Like Ebola and dengue fever, Lassa is one of the haemorrhagic fevers. Infected persons may experience fever, headaches and muscle aches, and later bleeding, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. (Ad)