Pre-epidemic preparedness and the control of Lassa fever in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The outbreak of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) in the West African sub region in recent times had negative consequences on the health systems, international travels, movements and trades. Nigeria is still battling with a significant spread of Lassa Fever (LF) outbreak. The country seems not to have learnt from past epidemics most especially the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. After the declaration of Nigeria EVD free, most control arsenals were relaxed, isolation and quarantine structures were dismantled and preventive efforts such as provision of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) for the use of the vulnerable health care workers were not sustained.Several search engines were used in surfing the internet while looking for literatures and systematic reviews on the epidemiology and control of Lassa fever in the West African sub-region, and narrowing down the search to Nigeria. This review presented findings from past outbreaks of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the control strategies adopted, including a review of several researches on the subject matter. Author also presented a framework of epidemic disease control for Lassa fever and other VHFs in line with WHO recommendations: It was observed that past epidemic control measures in Nigeria were not sustained, with little or no emphasis on preparedness. There should be a change in the past strategies employed by the health authorities. There is a need to establish a multi-sectoral epidemic preparedness team to create an enabling environment for managing epidemic alert and response as well as evaluating prevention and control, measures. Recommendations for the roles and responsibilities and modes of operation of such preparedness team were also made.Key words: Lassa fever, Preparedness, Epidemics, Nigeria, Prevention and control.

Mass media awareness campaign and the prevention of the spread of Lassa fever in the rural communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Impact evaluation

“…In each of these cases, many lives were lost. 4 According to Olalekan 5 and Ehichioya et al ., 6 Nigeria is not an exception. The epidemic spread like wide fire in Kano, Nassarawa, Plateau, Kebbi, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Abuja -the Federal Capital Territory, Onitsha in Anambra, Abo Mbaise and Owerri in Imo State, and many places in Ebonyi state between 2005 and 2010.…”

“…3 However, Olalekan blamed poor sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate resources to manage cases, lengthy dry season, weak health system, poor public enlightenment program, and most importantly poor epidemic preparedness for the Lassa fever prone high mortality rate. 5…”

“…However, Olalekan argues that rats are ubiquitous in human households whose existence is prevalent in urban areas and cities. 5 Factors such as unplanned urbanization, population explosion in the cities and urban areas, indiscriminate refuse disposal, poor personal hygiene and overcrowded housing contribute to their movements and habitation in the urban setting. 25 Thus, it is always a harvest of deaths for such communities to experience an outbreak of Lassa fever epidemic.…”

An overview of Lassa fever

“…[44] Currently, two national laboratories in Nigeria are supporting the laboratory confirmation PCR tests. [46] All the samples are also tested for Ebola, dengue and yellow fever (which have so far tested negative). [46] Treatment Main article: Ribavirin Supportive (symptomatic) management includes bed rest; close observation and monitoring; serial laboratory tests; analgesics (e.g.…”

Lassa fever Outbreak in Nigeria: How Prepared Are We?

“…As evidenced in previous studies, the risk of nosocomial infection is low expect there is direct contact with body fluid of infected patients due to poor infection control measures [7,8]. However, personal protective devices (PPE) were reported as inadequate in most healthcare facilities [9,10]. Likewise, healthcare workers were reportedly afraid to approach patients in whom the disease was suspected even when PPE was provided [9].…”