Surveillance of Lassa fever

Learn how Lassa fever is monitored.

On this page

• Number of cases of Lassa fever in Canada
• Number of cases of Lassa fever around the world
• How Canada monitors Lassa fever

Number of cases of Lassa fever in Canada

No cases of Lassa fever have been reported in Canada.

Number of cases of Lassa fever around the world

Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria. In some areas of West Africa, the disease is endemic, which means it is constantly present.

The number of people infected with Lassa virus is estimated at between 100,000 and 500,000 each year. There are approximately 5,000 deaths annually.

The majority of cases have been confirmed in:

• Liberia
• Nigeria
• Guinea
• Sierra Leone

Cases have also appeared in:

• Mali
• Togo
• Benin
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Burkina Faso

Some cases have been imported to other countries, such as the United Kingdom and, more recently, the U.S.

How Canada monitors Lassa fever

All suspected or probable cases of Lassa fever must be immediately reported. Reports can be made through the 24-hour emergency line at 1-866-262-8433.