1. Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, January 1-May 6, 2018.
- Author
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Ilori EA, Furuse Y, Ipadeola OB, Dan-Nwafor CC, Abubakar A, Womi-Eteng OE, Ogbaini-Emovon E, Okogbenin S, Unigwe U, Ogah E, Ayodeji O, Abejegah C, Liasu AA, Musa EO, Woldetsadik SF, Lasuba CLP, Alemu W, and Ihekweazu C
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Geography, Medical, History, 21st Century, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Lassa Fever history, Lassa Fever virology, Male, Middle Aged, Mortality, Nigeria epidemiology, Odds Ratio, Prevalence, Public Health Surveillance, Seasons, Symptom Assessment, Young Adult, Disease Outbreaks, Lassa Fever diagnosis, Lassa Fever epidemiology, Lassa virus
- Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is endemic to Nigeria, where the disease causes substantial rates of illness and death. In this article, we report an analysis of the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of the LF outbreak that occurred in Nigeria during January 1-May 6, 2018. A total of 1,893 cases were reported; 423 were laboratory-confirmed cases, among which 106 deaths were recorded (case-fatality rate 25.1%). Among all confirmed cases, 37 occurred in healthcare workers. The secondary attack rate among 5,001 contacts was 0.56%. Most (80.6%) confirmed cases were reported from 3 states (Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi). Fatal outcomes were significantly associated with being elderly; no administration of ribavirin; and the presence of a cough, hemorrhaging, and unconsciousness. The findings in this study should lead to further LF research and provide guidance to those preparing to respond to future outbreaks.
- Published
- 2019
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