Pattern And Outcome of Lassa Fever Cases Seen at the Virology Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Lassa fever (LF) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in endemic areas like Ebonyi State. Despite the establishment of specialized treatment centres, mortality rates remain worrisome. This study determines the socio-demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of laboratory-confirmed LF cases at Virology Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, (AEFUTHA) Ebonyi State.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical records of 67 laboratory-confirmed LF cases managed at the AE-FUTHA Virology Unit between January and December 2024. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.9±14.8years, with the 30–49 age group most affected (50.7%). Females comprised 56.7% of cases. Notably, students and traders (23.9% each) shared the highest occupational burden, shifting the narrative away from a purely agrarian disease. Seasonality was evident, with 74.6% of cases occurring between January and March. While fever was universal (100%), hemorrhage (31.3%) and sore throat (29.9%) were significant clinical features. The overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 43.3%, with disproportionately high mortality among pediatric and adolescent populations (63.6%) and those with lower educational attainment.
Conclusion: LF in Ebonyi State presents a high CFR and significant hemorrhagic manifestations, heavily impacting both the workforce and vulnerable children. The prevalence among non-farming groups suggests active peri-urban transmission. Urgent interventions are required to promote early presentation and provide subsidized critical care, especially dialysis, to mitigate mortality in the post-partner support era.
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