Lassa Fever Claims Life of Iowa Resident: What You Need to Know 🦠🐀

An Iowa resident has died after contracting Lassa fever, a viral illness primarily spread by rats in West Africa. The individual had recently returned from West Africa and was hospitalized at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center. Lassa fever, which can spread through rat urine or direct contact with infected bodily fluids, has no available vaccine, but antiviral treatment is possible. Most Americans are not at risk, as cases are usually localized in West Africa.