A Retrospective Study and the Risk Factors of Lassa Fever Infection in Some Selected States in the North Central Zone of Nigeria

Lassa fever is an acute rodent borne viral hemorrhagic fever which is caused by contacts with the multi-mammate rat, Mastomys natalensis which is commonly found in human households, eaten as a delicacy in several African countries and lives in close contact with humans. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective study and risk factors of Lassa fever infection in some selected States in the North Central zone of Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used in selecting 3 States in North Central Nigeria. Based on rodent availability, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States were selected. Ethical report was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria. Secondary data were obtained from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) records from 2016-2019. Chi square tool was used to analyze the level of significance between the States and the years under the study. Values below p<0.05 were considered insignificant. The total prevalence in the three states in 2016 were 27.3%, 17.5% in 2017, 9.5% in 2018 followed by a spike in the number of recorded cases at 45.7% in 2019. A total of 68.06% of the patients survived while 15.25% of the patients died during this period. A total of 23.76% of the patients were within 31 – 40 years old. There was no significant difference (P=0.01) between the age group of patients and the outcome of cases during the period under study. In conclusion, the prevalence of Lassa fever infection in the North central region of Nigeria remains a burden and a more realistic and time bound approach need to be put in place by policy makers and other stakeholders in order to curb the spread of the virus. Personal and environmental hygiene remains the first and most effective line of defense against Lassa fever infection. Provision of food storage facilities and adequate safety measures in food and water consumption will aid in the reduction of outbreak of the viral infection.