Streets in Heemskerk Closed Due to Possible Lassa Fever Contamination
A man exhibiting symptoms of a tropical disease prompted local authorities to quarantine the area as health services respond.
Several streets in Heemskerk were closed for several hours following an incident in which a man reported to a general practitioner with symptoms suggestive of a contagious tropical disease, believed to be Lassa fever.
In accordance with established health protocols, the practice was cordoned off, and the surrounding area was secured by local authorities.
The 37-year-old patient, who originated from a 'tropical country', was assessed by medical staff on-site.
Authorities indicated that the doctor recognized the patient's symptoms as indicative of an infectious disease and subsequently placed him in quarantine within the premises.
Emergency services arrived around 8:15 PM with a specialized ambulance team to transport the patient to the Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum (LUMC), where he is currently in isolation.
The patient remains conscious and his symptoms are reportedly managed.
In total, five individuals had contact with the man, including three practitioners from the medical practice and two paramedics.
These individuals have not reported any health concerns following the incident.
They spent time in a shared space but were permitted to leave at the end of the evening.
Authorities confirmed that there was no potential exposure to the virus through saliva or blood during their interactions.
The regional health service (GGD) is scheduled to follow up with these contacts to monitor for any subsequent symptoms.
Tomorrow, the GGD will also provide an update on whether the suspected tropical disease has been confirmed and specify its nature.
Lassa fever is primarily endemic in parts of West Africa and is caused by the Lassa virus.
According to the RIVM, approximately 20% of individuals who contract the virus exhibit symptoms, which may include headaches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The likelihood of the disease spreading within the Netherlands is considered low; the condition has been identified only three times in the country over the past four decades.
Currently, Nigeria is experiencing an outbreak of Lassa fever, with 535 confirmed cases reported since the beginning of this year and 98 fatalities associated with the disease.
Last year, the outbreak in Nigeria resulted in 190 deaths.
Additionally, contact tracing was initiated in the United Kingdom last week after a Nigerian individual passed away shortly after visiting the country.
Public health services in the UK assessed that the risk of infection in Britain was low at that time.
In accordance with established health protocols, the practice was cordoned off, and the surrounding area was secured by local authorities.
The 37-year-old patient, who originated from a 'tropical country', was assessed by medical staff on-site.
Authorities indicated that the doctor recognized the patient's symptoms as indicative of an infectious disease and subsequently placed him in quarantine within the premises.
Emergency services arrived around 8:15 PM with a specialized ambulance team to transport the patient to the Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum (LUMC), where he is currently in isolation.
The patient remains conscious and his symptoms are reportedly managed.
In total, five individuals had contact with the man, including three practitioners from the medical practice and two paramedics.
These individuals have not reported any health concerns following the incident.
They spent time in a shared space but were permitted to leave at the end of the evening.
Authorities confirmed that there was no potential exposure to the virus through saliva or blood during their interactions.
The regional health service (GGD) is scheduled to follow up with these contacts to monitor for any subsequent symptoms.
Tomorrow, the GGD will also provide an update on whether the suspected tropical disease has been confirmed and specify its nature.
Lassa fever is primarily endemic in parts of West Africa and is caused by the Lassa virus.
According to the RIVM, approximately 20% of individuals who contract the virus exhibit symptoms, which may include headaches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The likelihood of the disease spreading within the Netherlands is considered low; the condition has been identified only three times in the country over the past four decades.
Currently, Nigeria is experiencing an outbreak of Lassa fever, with 535 confirmed cases reported since the beginning of this year and 98 fatalities associated with the disease.
Last year, the outbreak in Nigeria resulted in 190 deaths.
Additionally, contact tracing was initiated in the United Kingdom last week after a Nigerian individual passed away shortly after visiting the country.
Public health services in the UK assessed that the risk of infection in Britain was low at that time.
