Lassa fever in the State Specialist Hospital Akure, Nigeria: Case report, Contact tracing and outcome of hospital contacts

Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral zoonotic disease caused by the Lassa virus. Nosocomial infection has been described in many West African countries. It can be prevented by use of simple universal precaution techniques. Aim: To describe Lassa fever cases and contact tracing and outcome of Health Care Workers (HCWs) who came in contact with two cases. Methods: This study was carried out among the healthcare workers who came in contact with the cases. They were categorized into high and low risk and followed up for a period of 21 days after the last contact with a case. Results: While 71 hospital staff came in contact with both patients only 60 [84.5%] responded to follow up. A total of 34 [47.9%] collected ribavirin prophylaxis out of which 32 [94%] were high ri sk. Throughout the follow up period, two contacts reported having fever, headaches and body aches. They both tested negative for Lassa virus. They were given antimalarial and antibacterial and both improved. Conclusion: Lassa fever can be difficult to diag nose and the use of simple universal precautions during patient care was sufficient to prevent the nosocomial transmission of Lassa fever and should continue to be encouraged among HCWs.