Extended patient management (Lassa fever) at the Kaduna State Infectious Disease Control Center (IDCC) and the challenges faced

Abstract

Background: The Kaduna State Infectious Disease Control Center (IDCC), has been in the forefront of the fight against Lassa fever and the control of the spread of infection. The Center has been known for a patient admission time of 5–7 days until the last patient cycle which saw a patient of the pediatric range spend 28 days on admission, with the associated complications. The IDCC is the Kaduna State's top level isolation facility and was commissioned in the year 2014 as part of Nigeria's response to the Ebola outbreak of the same year to manage viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) and other highly infectious diseases (e.g., monkey pox). Case description: The case is that of a 10 year old male, who presented with a two weeks history of fever of unknown origin, not responding to the normal treatment for endemic diseases in the region (malaria and typhoid) with also associated maliase, anemia, etc. Patient broke local records for hospital stay, staying for about a month. While most patients end up being discharged by the 5th or 10th day of treatment. Index patient. Despite the challenges faced by the Center, we were still able to ensure that our fatality rate is non-existent and all patients are fine. Discussion: The literature is full of various regimen of treatment for Lassa fever, we believe that supportive management and the humanizing patient management. What roles if any is there in the way of case management and patient outcomes. Those personalized care and commitment have any prognostic effects as shown in the index patient who stayed beyond the normal treatment duration and where such is absent. Conclusion: We seek to show that Lassa fever, though better managed with Ribavirin, also have a strong case for improved care and show of empathy towards others. From our previous cases and in particular this very child, the role of the obedient Nigerian in over emphasized. As compared to just using Ribavin, the extra relief is from how staff approach patients and relate with others. In conclusion “empathy and supportive management of patients is also a good prognostic Center”.