The Lassa fever cases recorded at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, are the latest in a series of outbreaks recorded in recent times, particularly, since December 2016.  In the current outbreak, two deaths have been recorded, and so far, at least 150 suspected cases are under surveillance.

Sometime around 25th of July 2017, a pregnant woman was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, with bleeding complication of pregnancy.  She had been earlier managed in private hospital from where she was referred to LUTH. Bleeding in pregnancy is not uncommon and the woman was managed normally. But doctors were worried with what they saw, and requested for post examination.

The result showed she had Lassa fever. The woman died three days after admission. She was the first case of Lassa fever death in LUTH. Regrettably, before the result was obtained, hospital workers including a female Resident doctor had been exposed to the disease. All those exposed were put under observation and three others later tested positive to the Lassa virus. At about the same time, a known sickle cell anemia patient identified as Mr. O. was admitted in LUTH. He was said to have travelled to a neighboring state and came down with the disease on arrival. However, he presented very late and died within 24 hours of admission. He was the second case. Both victims have since been buried according to international health guidelines. Both cases were earlier managed at private hospitals before being referred to LUTH, increasing the risk of exposure.

On the 4th of August 2017, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of the outbreak of Lassa fever in Lagos State. As at 9th of August 2017, the State had reported five confirmed cases and two deaths. Public health response commenced immediately led by the Lagos State Ministry of Health with support from the NCDC. Contact identification and tracing was initiated, and case management has begun for other confirmed cases. The Federal Ministry of Health through the NCDC has provided resources including medical supplies to support case management in the State. Currently the situation is under control and the outbreak has almost been completely contained.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness, caused by contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. It is an epidemic prone disease. Just a single case is already an epidemic. The Lassa virus can be spread between humans through direct contact with blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever.

Control & Remedy Tips

1.    Food hygiene & storage

2.    Rat Control

3.     Notification

eReference

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/news-analysis-combating-lassa-fever-menace-in-nigeria/

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/return-lassa-fever-vital-signs/