A challenging response to a Lassa fever outbreak in a non endemic area of Sierra Leone in 2019 with export of cases to The Netherlands

ABSTRACT: Introduction: On November 20, 2019, the Sierra Leone International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point was notified of an exported case of Lassa fever in The Netherlands, by a Dutch doctor who previously practiced in a rural hospital in Sierra Leone. This report describes the extent of the outbreak, possible sources of infection, and the outbreak response measures taken. Methods: Response measures implemented to control the outbreak included coordination across multiple countries and cities, outbreak investigation, active case finding, contact tracing and monitoring, labora... Mehr ...