Development of a time-trend model for analyzing and predicting case-pattern of Lassa fever epidemics in Liberia, 2013-2017

Olugasa, Babasola; Odigie, Eugene Amienwanlen; Lawani, Mike Aneshimi; Ojo, J. F.

doi:10.4103/1596-3519.149892

Cited by 18 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The disease results in 500,000 cases annually and approximately 5000 deaths in endemic West Africa. Although the overall case fatality rate is 1% [1], mortality can be as high as 15-20% in hospitalized LF patients and up to 50% during outbreaks [2][3][4][5]. LF was first described in 1969 in the town of Lassa, in present-day Borno State, Nigeria, and recurrent seasonal outbreaks occur in the Lassa belt of West Africa comprising Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria

Usifoh

Odigie

Ighedosa

et al. 2019

JEGH

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A B S T R A C TLassa Fever (LF) remains a health burden in several endemic areas of Nigeria, and its toll remains unabated over several decades. Although most studies have focused on virological and clinical considerations, few studies have attempted to address the perceived psychosocial component of LF disease in Nigeria. Evaluation of stigmatization and discrimination faced by LF survivors is an important step in improving individual health and protecting public health. This study aimed to assess LF-associated stigmatization associated among staff and students of the University of Benin. Descriptive analyses of 600 consenting respondents (300 staff and 300 students) sampled using pretested questionnaires was conducted, and the Chi-square test was used to test for significant association between perceived LF stigmatization and predefined variables. LF was a potential cause of stigmatization in a higher proportion of student (n = 162, 57.9%) than staff (n = 112, 39.9%). LF-associated stigmatization among students was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.012) and poor knowledge (p = 0.013) of LF transmission and prevention. A greater tendency for stigmatization was observed among females than males. A comprehensive emergency response plan incorporating accurate knowledge dissemination about the disease may be a first step toward tackling perceived LF stigmatization.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria

Usifoh

Odigie

Ighedosa

et al. 2019

JEGH

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“…Despite the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria showing a declining trend and considering the seasonal peaks in previous years there is the need for improvements in community and health care worker response and preparedness. [14] Major achievements were recorded relative to previous outbreak especially the Ebola outbreak response of July 2014.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Southwestern Nigeria: The Ekiti State Response amidst Economic Recession

Adovi¹

2017

CAJPH

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A confirmed case in a community requires prompt isolation of affected patients, good infection prevention and control practices, and rigorous contact tracing to stop outbreaks. This study depicts the highlights of the Ekiti state's response to its first confirmed Lassa fever outbreak. The approach used was a coordinated, and integrated rapid implementation of Lassa control measures using multidisciplinary teams. After with approproprate political will, Emmergency funds were rapidly mobilized. Seven response teams were constituted to mount an effective and high quality response. The Lassa fever Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and incident management system was activated to effectively coordinate the response. Clinical, epidemiological, laboratory data, surveillance records and hospital statistics were analyzed during the outbreak. Daily situation reports of the response activities were disseminated to all stakeholders. Throughout the outbreak, the state recorded one confirmed case and nine suspected cases. Their age ranges from 17 years to 53 years with the median age of 25 years. Seventy (70%) of the cases were males. The state recorded 2 deaths during the outbreak but all had negative Laboratory results. The 10 cases were detected from four LGAs across the state. Seventy percent of the cases presented with acute fever (>38°C) while 60% presented with bleeding tendencies. Other major symptoms and signs that were common among the cases were sore throat and severe headache, and generalized weakness and muscle pain. The lessons learned support the significance of intersectorial collaboration and political will in response to outbreak at the provincial or state. However, challenges to control efforts included inadequate local laboratory capacity and fear among health workers, panic response among the general populace as well as deficient emergency preparedness.

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“…Difference in seasonal frequencies was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The team has developed a time-trend model for analyzing and predicting the disease, [12] which holds a high promise for effective engagement of the MRU governments, and stakeholders, including the academia in rebuilding and strengthening LF surveillance and control systems in Liberia. This is well-portrayed, in Sierra Leone, where a dramatic rise in suspected LF cases that were identified rose from under a 100 in 2008 to nearly 600 in 2011, following the efforts of the international collaboration between Kenema Government Hospital and Tulane University.…”

Section: Annals Of African Medicinementioning

confidence: 99%

Mapping of Lassa fever cases in post-conflict Liberia, 2008-2012: A descriptive and categorical analysis of age, gender and seasonal pattern

Olugasa

Dogba

2015

Ann Afr Med

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Development of a time-trend model for analyzing and predicting case-pattern of Lassa fever epidemics in Liberia, 2013-2017

Cited by 18 publications

References 15 publications

Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria

Lassa Fever-associated Stigmatization among Staff and Students of the University of Benin, Nigeria

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Southwestern Nigeria: The Ekiti State Response amidst Economic Recession

Mapping of Lassa fever cases in post-conflict Liberia, 2008-2012: A descriptive and categorical analysis of age, gender and seasonal pattern

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