Imported Lassa fever in Germany: surveillance and management of contact persons.
This study sought to assess the risk of secondary transmission after import of Lassa fever into Europe. A total of 232 persons exposed to a case of Lassa fever imported into Germany were identified. The level of exposure was determined for 157 persons (68%), and 149 (64%) were tested serologically. High-risk or close contact was reported by 30 (19%) of 157 persons. No symptomatic secondary infections were observed. However, Lassa virus-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in a serum sample obtained from a physician who examined the index patient on day 9 of illness. The physician received ribavirin prophylaxis and did not develop symptoms of Lassa fever. On the basis of these data, the contact was classified as having a probable secondary infection. The study indicates a low risk of transmission during the initial phase of symptomatic Lassa fever, even with high-risk exposures. The risk may increase with progression of disease and increasing virus load.
Robert-Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Walter H
WH
Haas
Thomas
T
Breuer
Günter
G
Pfaff
Herbert
H
Schmitz
Päivi
P
Köhler
Marcel
M
Asper
Petra
P
Emmerich
Christian
C
Drosten
Uta
U
Gölnitz
Klaus
K
Fleischer
Stephan
S
Günther
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018890:Chemoprevention; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007835:Lassa Fever / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D007836:Lassa virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012308:Risk Management
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012254:Ribavirin