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April 22, 2026Open Access

Pattern And Outcome of Lassa Fever Cases Seen at the Virology Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

COChiemeka OkoroEbonyi State University OAOyekanmi AwelegbeFederal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate socio-demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of Lassa fever cases in a specific healthcare facility.
Retrospective review of clinical records
Analysis of 67 laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever cases
Data analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26
Mean age of participants was 32.9 years, with 50.7% in the 30–49 age group
Overall case fatality rate was 43.3%, significantly higher in pediatric populations at 63.6%
Fever was present in all cases, with notable features including hemorrhage in 31.3% of cases and sore throat in 29.9%

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever (LF) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in endemic areas like Ebonyi State. Despite the establishment of specialized treatment centres, mortality rates remain worrisome. This study determines the socio-demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of laboratory-confirmed LF cases at Virology Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, (AEFUTHA) Ebonyi State. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical records of 67 laboratory-confirmed LF cases managed at the AE-FUTHA Virology Unit between January and December 2024. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.9±14.8years, with the 30–49 age group most affected (50.7%). Females comprised 56.7% of cases. Notably, students and traders (23.9% each) shared the highest occupational burden, shifting the narrative away from a purely agrarian disease. Seasonality was evident, with 74.6% of cases occurring between January and March. While fever was universal (100%), hemorrhage (31.3%) and sore throat (29.9%) were significant clinical features. The overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 43.3%, with disproportionately high mortality among pediatric and adolescent populations (63.6%) and those with lower educational attainment. Conclusion: LF in Ebonyi State presents a high CFR and significant hemorrhagic manifestations, heavily impacting both the workforce and vulnerable children. The prevalence among non-farming groups suggests active peri-urban transmission. Urgent interventions are required to promote early presentation and provide subsidized critical care, especially dialysis, to mitigate mortality in the post-partner support era.

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