ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence, types and severity of hearing loss and associated factors in a hospital population of adult Nigerians with diabetes mellitus.Subjects and methodsThis study was a prospective hospital-based study conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology and Diabetic Clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, for a period of 12 months. Consecutively presenting eligible adult diabetics and their age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Each case and control participant had clinical and otologic examination, followed by pure tone audiometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.ResultsThere were 224 patients and 192 control participants. The patients comprised 112 males and 112 females (sex ratio=1:1), whose mean age was 47.6 years (range: 26–80 years). The prevalence of hearing loss was 46.9%. This comprised 43.8% sensorineural and 3.1% conductive hearing losses. The distribution of hearing loss by severity was mild 25.0%, moderate 15.6% and severe 6.3%. The controls comprised 96 males and 96 females whose mean age was 44.6 years (range: 25–79 years). The prevalence of hearing loss was significantly higher overall and by type (sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss) in cases compared with controls.ConclusionThe prevalence of hearing loss among diabetic adults at UNTH, Enugu, is comparatively high. Hearing loss is predominantly sensorineural and often mild to moderate in severity. Routine audiometric evaluation of all adult diabetics at UNTH is recommended.

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Introduction: Lassa fever is a disease of public health importance because of the associated morbidity and high case fatality rate among hospitalized patients. Even after recovery, there may be residual problems such as sensorineural hearing loss. The initial presentation of Lassa fever may be with non-specific symptoms similar to what is seen in the more common febrile illnesses such as malaria or typhoid fever. In such a setting therefore, timely diagnosis of Lassa fever may be difficult. Case Report: We report a case of Lassa fever that presented to our institution. She was a middle aged woman who had non-specific symptoms of febrile illness and who died in less than 48 hours of admission. She had a subtle bleeding on the lip just before death which was what raised the suspicion for Lassa fever. Laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was made retrospectively. Conclusion: When the presenting symptoms are non-specific, a high index of suspicion is required for timely recognition of Lassa fever. Early diagnosis is important for prompt therapeutic intervention as well as for limiting the spread of the disease. This is the second case of Lassa fever presenting to our hospital, but the first published case of Lassa fever from our hospital.

Background: Lassa fever is a disease of public health importance because of its morbidity and associated mortality and also because of its potential for residual morbidity such as hearing loss and social stigma. Knowledge of the mortality among Lassa fever patients is one way of assessing the effectiveness of the current strategies employed in Lassa fever management. This article is aimed at reviewing mortalities among Lassa fever patients. Methods: The relevant articles for the review were searched and obtained through the PubMed database. Data of interest were confirmed cases of Lassa fever, number of deaths and case fatality rates. Findings: All the studies reviewed were carried out in the Lassa fever endemic zone of West Africa. The case fatality rates in Lassa fever ranged from 24% to 61%, with a mean of 36%. More cases of Lassa fever and more deaths occurred during Lassa fever outbreaks. Patient's age, co-existing medical conditions as well as complications arising from Lassa virus infection were the determinant factors for patients' survival. Conclusion: The case fatality rate in Lassa fever was very high among hospitalized patients. Timely therapeutic intervention, infection prevention and control measures and well-coordinated response during Lassa fever outbreaks are necessary for favourable outcomes in Lassa fever management.

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