Re-emergence of Lassa fever outbreaks in Africa with ongoing threat from COVID-19

• Published in: Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health Vol. 1; p. 100005
• Main Authors: Aleke, Christian O., Mong, Emeka U., Obande-Ogbuinya, Edith N., Omaka-Amari, Lois N., Ngwakwe, Patricia C., Nashwan, Abdulqadir J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2023
• Subjects: Africa; Lassa fever; Re-emergence; Re-emergence; Lassa fever; Africa
• ISSN: 2949-916X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2023.100005

This perspective paper critically examines the escalating cases of Lassa fever (LF) in Nigeria and its implications for global health. Recent data shows a worrisome upward trend in LF cases in Africa's most populous country, with each passing year's cases surpassing the previous one. The annual peak of LF cases generally aligns with the dry season, suggesting a correlation with environmental conditions. The paper explores factors contributing to the spread and recurrence of LF, including the presence of Mastomys rats, which facilitate direct transmission of the Lassa virus (LASV) to humans. Other socio-environmental factors such as overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate healthcare facilities are also scrutinized. The paper discusses how the current global attention to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lapse in focus on other endemic diseases, thereby worsening the situation for LF. The work underscores the need for the World Health Organization and other global health entities to amplify their efforts in supporting the prevention and control of LF. This study provides a critical insight into the current resurgence of LF, its transmission dynamics, and its potential to become a global health crisis.