Lassa Fever in Nigeria (2005–2008)
Author Information
Author(s): Ehichioya Deborah U., Hass Meike, Ölschläger Stephan, Becker-Ziaja Beate, Chukwu Christian O. Onyebuchi, Coker Jide, Nasidi Abdulsalam, Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, Günther Stephan, Omilabu Sunday A.
Primary Institution: University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Conclusion
The study highlights ongoing Lassa fever activity in Nigeria and the risks faced by healthcare workers.
Supporting Evidence
- Lassa fever affects approximately 100,000 persons per year in West Africa.
- The case-fatality rate in hospitalized patients is between 10% and 20%.
- Improved laboratory capacity at the University of Lagos has been used for small-scale passive surveillance.
- Healthcare workers are still at high risk of contracting Lassa fever.
Takeaway
Lassa fever is a serious disease in Nigeria, and healthcare workers are still getting sick from it, just like 20 years ago.
Methodology
The study involved a hospital-based survey, laboratory testing for Lassa virus, and epidemiologic investigation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on reported cases and lack of comprehensive surveillance.
Limitations
The lack of a surveillance system makes the current epidemiologic situation unclear.
Participant Demographics
The cases included healthcare workers and patients in Nigeria.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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