Profile of Confirmed Cases during Lassa fever Outbreak in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorraghic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The objective of this study was to describe  the profile of confirmed cases of Lassa fever during an outbreak in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive review of records of cases of Lassa fever between 1st of January to 4th of March, 2019 was done. Confirmation of  cases was done using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis was by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)  version 20 and descriptive statistics was done. Results: Out of a total of 150 suspected cases of Lassa fever recorded during the period, 63 (42.0%) were confirmed. Among the  confirmed cases, the mean age was 28±16.4 years and 34 (54.0%) were males. The incidence of the disease was highest among those  within the ages of 15-45 (66.7%) years. The highest proportions of confirmed cases were from Jattu 25 (39.7%) and Auchi 24 (38.1%)  communities. The case fatality rate was 12 (19%). Conclusion: The incidence of Lassa fever was highest among the productive age group  with about one in five deaths recorded during the outbreak. The State Government should step-up environmental sanitation activities in  Jattu and Auchi Communities in Etsako West LGA.