Lassa fever: A recurring decimal in Plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Since the first reported case of Lassa fever (LF) in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria in the early 70's, the state has been plagued with increasing number of cases. This could be due to poor environmental practices, food and personal hygiene. By the end of August 2017 there were 42 reported cases with 15 confirmed cases. Sadly, over the years there have been challenges with reporting and investigation of cases. This could be due to weak health systems commonly seen in developing countries. Methods and Materials:We reviewed 2012-2016 surveillance data from the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the reported LF cases in the state. Results: Between the years 2012 -2016 there were 109 reported LF cases, with 57 (52.3%) males and 52 (47.7%) females. The mean age of the reported cases was 27.9± 13.6 years. Out of these, 23 (21.1%) were confirmed cases: 1 (4.5%) in 2012, none in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and 21 (91.3%) in 2016.The male: female ratio was10 (43.5%): 13 (56.5%). Six (26.1%) of the confirmed cases were health workers. The case fatality rate of the confirmed cases was 52.2%. Even though there is significant association between LF and death (P-value = 0.003) the odds ratio, 0.215 (95% CI) is low. The reporting years show consistent increasing trend from 2012 to 2016, except for 2015 where there was a decline in the number of reported cases. In 2016 there were 74 (67.9%) cases, 5 (4.6%) in 2015, 15 (13.7%) in 2014, 12 (11.0%) in 2013 and 3 (2.6%) in 2012. Conclusion: Even though reported cases are increasing, there are still gaps observed in the surveillance system of the SMoH. The annual recurrence of LF outbreak in the state without reciprocal preventive efforts on ground to combating it has exposed the populace and health workers to ill-health and death.

Epidemiological review of confirmed Lassa fever cases during 2016–2018, in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

“…It is also interesting to note that two local governments constituted 50% of cases; urban underprivileged communities of Jos North and rural settlements of Langtang North LGA. Previous studies in Plateau State had indicated a higher burden of LF in Jos North LGA [19,20]. Recent studies suggest that 80% of outbreaks are largely fuelled by independent zoonotic transmission events from infected rodent hosts [21].…”

Trends in Lassa Fever Outbreak in Plateau State Nigeria

“…Other studies have similarly shown that over the years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases. Between 2012 and 2016, a study carried out in Plateau state showed that there was a steady rise in the number of observed LF cases, although that of 2015 was lower than the preceding year [20]. A study carried out in Irrua specialist Hospital, Nigeria also showed increasing caseload of LF from 2015 to 2018 [21].…”