The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed two people have been diagnosed with Lassa fever in England.
A further probable case of Lassa fever is also under investigation.
The cases are within the same family in the East of England and are linked to recent travel to West Africa.
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Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus.
People usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats – present in a number of West African countries where the disease is endemic.
The virus can also be spread through infected bodily fluids.
Most people with Lassa fever will make a full recovery, however severe illness can occur in some individuals.
One of the cases has recovered, while the other will receive specialist care at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
The probable case is receiving care at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA said: "We can confirm that two cases of Lassa fever have been identified in England, and a further probable case is under investigation.
"The cases are within the same family and are linked to recent travel to West Africa.
"Cases of Lassa fever are rare in the UK and it does not spread easily between people.
"The overall risk to the public is very low. We are contacting the individuals who have had close contact with the cases prior to confirmation of their infection, to provide appropriate assessment, support and advice."
Prior to these cases, there have been eight cases of Lassa fever imported to the UK since 1980.
The last two cases occurred in 2009. There was no evidence of onward transmission from any of these cases.
According to the World Health Organisation, symptoms are usually gradual, starting with fever, general weakness, and malaise.
They added: "After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow.
"In severe cases, facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure may develop.
"Protein may be noted in the urine. Shock, seizures, tremors, disorientation, and coma may be seen in the later stages. Deafness occurs in 25% of patients who survive the disease.
"In half of these cases, hearing returns partially after one to three months. Transient hair loss and gait disturbance may occur during recovery.
"Death usually occurs within 14 days of onset in fatal cases. The disease is especially severe late in pregnancy, with maternal death and/or fetal loss occurring in more than 80% of cases during the third trimester."
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