Aseptic Meningitis Caused by Lassa Virus: Case Series Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroscience
• Virology

Background:

• Lassa virus causes diverse diseases, including neurological complications like encephalitis.
• Lassa fever meningitis is underreported, with limited clinical data available.
• Nigeria is an endemic region for Lassa virus and its rodent reservoir.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of Lassa virus meningitis.
• To highlight the successful treatment of Lassa virus meningitis with ribavirin.
• To contribute data on a rare manifestation of Lassa virus infection.

Main Methods:

• Case series of 4 consecutive patients with aseptic meningitis.
• Clinical data collection including symptoms and neurological examination.
• Laboratory diagnosis of Lassa virus infection.
• Treatment with intravenous ribavirin.

Main Results:

• Four patients presented with aseptic meningitis without bleeding.
• Lassa virus infection was confirmed through laboratory diagnostics.
• All patients received intravenous ribavirin treatment.
• Complete recovery with no neurological sequelae was observed in all cases.

Conclusions:

• Lassa virus can cause aseptic meningitis as a primary neurological manifestation.
• Intravenous ribavirin is an effective treatment for Lassa virus meningitis.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term neurological complications.