Two people in the UK were diagnosed with Lassa fever, a virus that is endemic in several West African nations.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that those infected are members of a family that recently returned from West Africa and live in the East of England.

Lassa fever is usually caught from exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rats.

It can also be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.

This is the first time the disease has been found in the UK since 2009 - and there have only been eight previous cases in the country.

Basingstoke Gazette: Lassa fever is quite difficult to pass on (PA)Lassa fever is quite difficult to pass on (PA)

Dr Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: "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."

But what are the symptoms of Lassa fever?

What are Lassa fever symptoms?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from six to 21 days.

From there an individual could get a headache, a sore throat, muscle pain or chest pain. 

This can then extend to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, and abdominal pain.

Very severe symptoms can include vaginal bleeding and deafness.

About 80% of people who become infected with Lassa virus have no symptoms.