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Positivity Rate, Predictors, and Outcome of Paediatric Lassa Fever Disease (LFD) in a Lassa Fever Endemic State,
Maria-Lauretta Orji1, Nnennaya Anthony Ajayi2, Nnamdi Benson Onyire1
1Department of Paediatrics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Insights
Paediatric Lassa fever disease (LFD) has a high positivity and case fatality rate in endemic areas. Early healthcare seeking for febrile illnesses in children is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Background:
- Lassa fever disease (LFD) in children is poorly documented, especially regarding its pattern and case fatality rate.
- Understanding LFD's impact on pediatric populations in endemic regions is critical for public health.
- Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and outcomes of Lassa fever in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiological pattern of pediatric Lassa fever disease.
- To investigate the clinical outcomes and case fatality rate of Lassa fever in children.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric LFD cases.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 183 pediatric LFD suspects.
- Lassa virus PCR testing to confirm diagnosis.
- Structured questionnaires for socio-demographic data collection and clinical symptom assessment.
Main Results:
- A Lassa virus PCR positivity rate of 13.1% (24 out of 183 children) was observed.
- The case fatality rate (CFR) for pediatric LFD was high at 29.2% (7 out of 24 children).
- Convulsions, unconsciousness, bleeding, and poor urine output were significantly associated with increased mortality (p=0.020).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Lassa fever disease exhibits high positivity and case fatality rates.
- Public awareness campaigns on LFD symptoms and early healthcare seeking for febrile children are essential.
- Urgent medical attention for children presenting with fever, especially with concerning symptoms, is recommended.
Background:
The pattern and case fatality rate of Paediatric Lassa fever disease (LFD) is not well documented even in Lassa fever endemic communities.
Aim And Objective:
This prospective observational study was aimed at determining the pattern and outcome of Paediatric LFD.
Methodology:
A total of 183 children that met the criteria for LFD suspects were subjected to the Lassa virus PCR test. The suspects that tested positive were recruited into the study and a structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics.
Results:
Of the 183 LFD suspects that were tested, 24 of them were positive to Lassa virus PCR, giving a positivity rate of 13.1%. The mean duration of illness before hospital presentation was 8.54 ± 3.83 days. All the subjects had a history of fever. Abdominal pain and vomiting were the two highest presenting complaints after fever. Seven out of 24 children died during the study period, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 29.2%. Subjects who presented with convulsions and unconsciousness (OR =10.00, 95% CI= 1.2, 81.81, p=0.020), bleeding (OR =40.00, 95% CI= 12.96, 539.67, p=0.020), poor urine output (OR =40.00, 95% CI= 12.96, 539.67, p=0.020) were more likely to die of LFD compared to their colleagues without such symptoms.
Conclusion:
The positivity rate and case fatality rate of LFD in children were high. Public enlightenment on the common features of Lassa fever disease and the need to seek health care early for children with febrile illness is advocated.
