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Lassa fever in pregnancy — DTM&H MCQ

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HardTropical viral infectionsLassa fever in pregnancyDTM&H

A pregnant traveller returning from Sierra Leone is admitted in the UK with fever, pharyngitis, proteinuria and epidemiological risk for Lassa fever. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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Correct answer: AIsolate, contact imported-fever specialists and begin supportive assessment

The best answer is “Isolate, contact imported-fever specialists and begin supportive assessment”. Suspected Lassa fever in a high-risk returning traveller requires immediate isolation, specialist imported-fever advice, high-consequence-infectious-disease transfer planning and meticulous supportive care. Ribavirin evidence is uncertain and any antiviral decision belongs within specialist protocols; it must not delay containment or organ support.

Reference: UKHSA: Lassa fever origins, transmission and clinical guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lassa-fever-origins-reservoirs-transmission-and-guidelines