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. 2020 Sep 3:37:15.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.15.21160. eCollection 2020.

Descriptive epidemiology of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2012-2017

Onyebuchi Augustine Okoro  1 , Eniola Bamgboye  2 , Chioma Dan-Nwafor  3 , Chukwuma Umeokonkwo  4 , Elsie Ilori  3 , Rimamdeyati Yashe  3 , Muhammad Balogun  5 , Patrick Nguku  5 , Chikwe Ihekweazu  3
Affiliations

Descriptive epidemiology of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2012-2017

Onyebuchi Augustine Okoro et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic zoonotic disease is endemic in some parts of Nigeria. The disease alert and outbreak threshold are known; however, there has been a shift from the previous seasonal transmission pattern to an all year-round transmission. We described data on Lassa fever and highlighted the magnitude of the disease over a six-year period.

Methods: we conducted a secondary data analyses of Lassa fever specific surveillance data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) records of all states in Nigeria over a six-year period (2012-2017).

Results: a total of 5974 suspected cases were reported within the study period; of these, 759 (12.7%) were confirmed by laboratory diagnosis. Highest number of cases was recorded in 2012. Edo and Ondo states in the southern region of the country were mostly affected within the study period. The seasonal trend of Lassa fever cases showed peaks within January to March, except for year 2015.

Conclusion: there was a high burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria especially in the southern part. Lassa fever transmission occurs all year-round with peaks in January and March. There is need to develop preparedness plans and define thresholds for Lassa fever epidemic.

Keywords: Lassa fever; Nigeria; outbreak.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
annual distribution of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, 2012-2017
Figure 2
Figure 2
distribution of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, 2012-2017
Figure 3
Figure 3
monthly trend of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, 2012-2017
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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