Contents
Patient Information:
The patient, a 27-year-old male, was admitted to the hospital with a history of fever, headache, and body pain for the past five days. He also reported vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The patient had a history of travel to a Lassa fever endemic area two weeks before the onset of symptoms. On examination, he was found to be febrile, tachycardic, and hypotensive.
Clinical Course:
The patient was diagnosed with Lassa fever based on the clinical presentation, travel history, and positive Lassa virus IgM antibodies in the blood. He was immediately started on ribavirin therapy and supportive care measures. His vital signs were closely monitored, and he was isolated to prevent the spread of infection.
Over the next few days, the patient’s condition deteriorated, with persistent fever, worsening abdominal pain, and bleeding from the gums and nose. He was managed with aggressive fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, and antipyretics. The patient also received platelet transfusions and fresh frozen plasma for the coagulopathy.
Outcome:
Despite aggressive management, the patient’s condition continued to worsen, and he eventually succumbed to the infection on the eighth day of hospitalization.
Discussion:
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic in West Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their excreta. The disease presents with nonspecific symptoms like fever, headache, and body pain, which can progress to severe hemorrhagic fever with multiorgan involvement.
Ribavirin is the only known effective treatment for Lassa fever, and it must be initiated early in the course of the disease to be effective. Supportive care measures like fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, and management of coagulopathy are also essential to improve outcomes.
Prevention of Lassa fever involves reducing contact with rodents and their excreta, practicing good hygiene, and implementing effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.
Conclusion:
Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and initiation of ribavirin therapy, along with supportive care measures, can improve outcomes. Prevention of Lassa fever requires a multifaceted approach, including public education, improved sanitation, and effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.
