Mortality Among Lassa Fever Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever is a disease of public health importance because of its morbidity and associated mortality and also because of its potential for residual morbidity such as hearing loss and social stigma. Knowledge of the mortality among Lassa fever patients is one way of assessing the effectiveness of the current strategies employed in Lassa fever management. This article is aimed at reviewing mortalities among Lassa fever patients. Methods: The relevant articles for the review were searched and obtained through the PubMed database. Data of interest were confirmed cases of Lassa fever, number of deaths and case fatality rates. Findings: All the studies reviewed were carried out in the Lassa fever endemic zone of West Africa. The case fatality rates in Lassa fever ranged from 24% to 61%, with a mean of 36%. More cases of Lassa fever and more deaths occurred during Lassa fever outbreaks. Patient’s age, co-existing medical conditions as well as complications arising from Lassa virus infection were the determinant factors for patients’ survival. Conclusion: The case fatality rate in Lassa fever was very high among hospitalized patients. Timely therapeutic intervention, infection prevention and control measures and well-coordinated response during Lassa fever outbreaks are necessary for favourable outcomes in Lassa fever management.