Descriptive characterization of the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, 2016

• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.cp.2017.3.80.237
• Publication Date: 2018-03-05T11:55:54Z
• Authors: Ibrahim Sule Baffa; Usman Rabi; Aisha Abubakar; Mercy Niyang; Bola Gobir; Patrick Nguku
• Keywords: Lassa fever; Lassa virus

Introduction : Lassa hemorrhagic fever is caused by the virus. The disease endemic in Nigeria and many West African countries. recorded outbreak of from late 2015 to 2016. We described highlight trend morbidity mortality, make recommendation for future prevention. Methods we did a retrospective secondary data analysis line listed cases affected LGAs epidemiologic weeks 1-38 Data was obtained Epid division Center Disease Control (NCDC). Results total 837 98 deaths were within this period. This gives case fatality rate 11.7%. 28 36 States Nigeria. Out 774 country, 135 (17%) reported same attack (AR) highest at Esan central LGA Edo State with 240.8 per 100,000 population, followed Muya Niger 38 while Ikorodu Kosofe Lagos had least AR 0.1 population. CFR ranges as high 100% some zero others. Only 83 (9.9%) confirmed laboratory diagnosis. Conclusion protracted through most part more than half states country. Though generally low, very mortality levels several LGAs. recommend enhanced surveillance improved diagnostic capacity across