An Epidemiological Investigation of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Ebonyi State South Eastern Nigeria Lessons Learnt (January to March 2018).

ABSTRACT

Background: We investigated an outbreak of Lassa fever that occurred in Ebonyi state, Southeast Nigeria from January to March 2018. Methodology: The Emergency operational centre (EOC) model was used for the outbreak coordination. Cases and deaths were identified through the routine surveillance system. Blood specimens collected from suspected cases were sent for confirmation at the Virology Centre, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFUTHA). Active case search was instituted, and identified contacts of confirmed cases were followed up for the maximum incubation period of the disease. Other public health responses included infection prevention and control, communication and advocacy as well as case management. Data collected were analysed using the Epi info statistical software package. Results: We identified 89 suspected Lassa Fever (LF) cases out of which 61 were confirmed. The mean age was 35±16.2 and the age group mostly affected was 30-39 years. More than half (59.7%) of the confirmed cases were females. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 26.2% among the laboratory confirmed cases. Five of the deaths occurred among health care workers. Out of 325 contacts of the confirmed cases, 304(99.7%) completed the follow-up and only 1(0.3%) of them developed symptoms consistent with LF and was confirmed by the laboratory. Conclusions: The high CFR in those presenting late to the hospital underscores the need for intensive public enlightenment that encourages early presentation to hospital. Majority of the confirmed cases were primary cases, hence efforts should be intensified in breaking the chain of transmission in the animal-man interphase. Death of healthcare workers involved in management of Lassa fever raises the importance of providing life insurance for concerned healthcare workers.