Outbreaks, Pathogen Containment and Laboratory Investigations of Lassa fever in Nigeria: How Prepared Are We?

Abstract

Lassa is a highly contagious and devastating re-emerging vector-borne disease transmitted primarily by Mastomys natalensis. Lassa fever virus (LFV) and its vector are largely conserved to West African communities hence they experience frequent sporadic outbreaks. Lassa are usually associated with high mortality rates partly because cases are usually presented late to healthcare centers and its high virulence. The transmission rate of LFV is usually very high in affected areas in Nigeria due to poor pathogen containment, a necessity in medical care of infected individuals and inadequate and/or delayed laboratory confirmation of cases, consequently placing immediate communities and healthcare providers at higher risk of contracting LFV. Laboratory diagnose for Lassa are crucial because of similarities of clinical features it presents with other more frequent fever-causing infections such as severe malaria, typhoid and fulminant hepatitis. Understanding its basic virology, ecology, transmission pattern and immunology are crucial in embarking on appropriate infection control strategies and diagnostic protocols. In view of these, we sought to present this mini-review to summarize the pertinent literatures for healthcare providers especially in endemic locations, suggest the need to use the information from epidemiologic and laboratory findings to incorporate international best practices into community health and clinical practice in Nigeria.