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

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.