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Pattern and Outcome of Lassa Fever cases in Nasarawa State, Nigeria (2017-2022)


M. Mathew
A.A. Ibrahim
N.A. Akpan
F. Muhammed

Abstract

Background: Lassa Fever (LF), an endemic zoonotic disease requires a 'One Health approach'.


Introduction: A prior study in Nasarawa  state (2013) showed a high seroprevalence range of 10-25%, having a serious impact on the health care system and families with  significant socioeconomic losses to the state which necessitated this study


Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study in Nasarawa State over five years (2017-2022) utilized all secondary data from all the  Local Government Areas.


Results: showed a Case Fatality Rate of 61% indicating high viral virulence, with the highest prevalence over the past 6 years in Keffi LGA.  The trend analysis shows a fluctuating pattern of LF cases with 2 reported deaths of health workers (2021) indicating an evolving  epidemiological pattern of the virus. With 38 LF positives out of 343 cases, high period prevalence of 11%, and increased number of  'suspected' and 'probable' cases, it shows sub-optimal quality of care or presence of other diseases that mimic LF and hence a need to review case definition.


Conclusion: There is a need for increased in-country laboratory testing/diagnostic capacities and events-based  surveillance. 


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eISSN: 2467-8252
print ISSN: 2360-7793