Lassa fever presenting as a cause of post-operative pyrexia following open femoral interlocking nailing

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa.
• Post-operative pyrexia can have multiple etiologies, necessitating thorough investigation.
• Early diagnosis and isolation are critical for managing Lassa fever and preventing outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Lassa fever presenting as post-operative pyrexia.
• To highlight the importance of considering endemic infectious diseases in febrile patients, even after surgery.
• To emphasize the effectiveness of protective measures in preventing nosocomial transmission.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and patient history review.
• Diagnostic workup including laboratory tests for Lassa fever virus.
• Implementation and adherence to strict infection control protocols.

Main Results:

• Lassa fever was diagnosed in a patient with unexplained post-operative fever.
• No evidence of Lassa fever transmission to medical staff was observed.
• Prompt implementation of protective measures was associated with successful containment.

Conclusions:

• Lassa fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-operative pyrexia in endemic or returning traveler populations.
• Rigorous adherence to protective measures is crucial for preventing Lassa fever transmission in healthcare settings.
• Effective infection control strategies are vital for patient and healthcare worker safety.