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.
Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Lassa Fever/diagnosis , Lassa Fever/epidemiology , Lassa virus , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Geography, Medical , History, 21st Century , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Lassa Fever/history , Lassa Fever/virology , Male , Middle Aged , Mortality , Nigeria/epidemiology , Odds Ratio , Prevalence , Public Health Surveillance , Seasons , Symptom Assessment , Young AdultABSTRACT
We reviewed data pertaining to the massive wave of Lassa fever cases that occurred in Nigeria in 2018. No new virus strains were detected, but in 2018, the outbreak response was intensified, additional diagnostic support was available, and surveillance sensitivity increased. These factors probably contributed to the high case count.