asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the hospitalisation of a contact of the fatal Lassa fever in Dublin yesterday, he will take immediate steps to ensure that all appropriate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
Private Notice Question: - Lassa Fever.
A man who travelled on the 10th January from Brussels to London on the flight on which a case of Lassa fever occurred felt unwell and was seen by a doctor on Monday last. He was referred to Cherry Orchard Hospital where he is under surveillance as a precaution.
The symptoms of Lassa fever are similar initially to those of influenza and other respiratory ailments common at this time of year. I understand that there is no reason to assume at this stage that the person concerned has Lassa fever but, as I have indicated, he is being kept under surveillance as a precaution.
My Department are in close contact with the Eastern Health Board and with the British authorities on this matter.
Will the Minister make any effort to trace this man's contacts if his symptoms develop along the lines of Lassa fever?
In this case I do not think we should assume the worst. My information this morning was that the infection is of a less serious nature than first suggested. As I said, the man travelled from Brussels to London and on to Ireland on the 10th January. I presume he did all his travelling the same day. The incubation period of Lassa fever is approximately 20 days, but in some countries it is 17 days. Within the period from the 10th January to Monday last, it would be well nigh impossible to trace the various people with whom he had contact, with the exception of his immediate family. I appreciate the seriousness of the situation, but I do not think we should create a scare so that people who have the usual winter complaints, sore throat, influenza and so forth, would present themselves to the hospitals as suspected cases of Lassa fever.