Search

Lassa fever is a serious epidemic viral disease in West Africa affecting an estimated 2 million people annually with about 5000-10,000 deaths, although supporting data is sparse. Lassa fever significantly affects neonates, children, and pregnant women, however, comprehensive data on its impact in these populations are lacking. We reviewed the available literature on Lassa fever to assess its prevalence and impact in these populations and implications for vaccine development. Clinical features in children were similar to those observed in adults, with complications such as bleeding. Altered mental status, anasarca (swollen baby syndrome), bleeding, and poor urine output were risk factors for death. The case fatality rate (CFR) in 16 paediatric studies ranged from 6 % to 63 % and was 66.7 % and 75.0 % in two neonatal studies. In a systematic review of studies on pregnant women the CFR was 33.73 %. The adverse foetal outcomes included miscarriage, stillbirth, and intrauterine death associated with maternal death. Since Lassa fever significantly affects neonates, children, and pregnant women, developing a safe and effective, single-dose vaccine for these high-risk populations is vital. Currently, there are four clinical trials assessing Lassa virus vaccines. Only one of these trials is enrolling children aged ≥18 months, and exclude pregnant and breast-feeding women. It is essential that pregnant and breast-feeding women and young children are included in clinical trials that incorporate robust safety surveillance and risk mitigation measures. In our review, potential approaches to address the specific gaps in the areas of diagnosis, management, and prevention of Lassa fever in these specific populations, such as disease surveillance systems and vaccine development, were identified. A comprehensive strategy with investment focused on addressing specific knowledge gaps will be essential in protecting the health of these specific populations in Lassa virus endemic regions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Flor M Munoz reports financial support, administrative support, article publishing charges, and writing assistance were provided by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Clare L Cutland reports a relationship with Pfizer that includes: funding grants. Clare L Cutland reports a relationship with BMGF that includes: funding grants. Clare L Cutland reports a relationship with GIZ that includes: funding grants. Flor M. Munoz is an associate editor for Vaccine. Helen Marshall declared being an investigator on vaccine clinical trials with institutional funding by pharmaceutic industry with no personal payments If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)