Abstract

Lassa fever (LF) is endemic to Nigeria, where the disease causes substantial rates of illness and death. In this article, we report an analysis of the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of the LF outbreak that occurred in Nigeria during January 1-May 6, 2018. A total of 1,893 cases were reported; 423 were laboratory-confirmed cases, among which 106 deaths were recorded (case-fatality rate 25.1%). Among all confirmed cases, 37 occurred in healthcare workers. The secondary attack rate among 5,001 contacts was 0.56%. Most (80.6%) confirmed cases were reported from 3 states (Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi). Fatal outcomes were significantly associated with being elderly; no administration of ribavirin; and the presence of a cough, hemorrhaging, and unconsciousness. The findings in this study should lead to further LF research and provide guidance to those preparing to respond to future outbreaks.

Highlights

  • In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases

  • We report an analysis of the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of the Lassa fever (LF) outbreak that occurred in Nigeria during January 1–May 6, 2018

  • Most (80.6%) of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported from the 3 states with a dedicated LF treatment center: Edo (178 cases), Ondo (99 cases), and Ebonyi (64 cases) (Figure 1, panel A)

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Summary

Introduction

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases. If the test was positive, detailed demographic (age, sex, and residential address), clinical (symptoms, outcome, and administration of ribavirin), and epidemiologic (occupation, onset date, and exposure history) information were collected by using a national case investigation form (CIF). Results During the study period (January 1–May 6, 2018), a total of 1,893 suspected LF cases were reported, including 10 probable cases and 423 laboratory-confirmed cases.

Results
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