LASSA FEVER IN LOWER BAMBARA CHIEFDOM, KENEMA DISTRICT, SIERRA LEONE (2016-2020): MAGNITUDE, SEASONALITY, AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic infection that poses a growing concern in Lower Bambara chiefdom, Kenema District Eastern Sierra Leone. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of Lassa fever infection and mortality in the study area from 2016 to 2020.

A retrospective desk review was conducted on Kenema district surveillance records to extract Lower Bambara chiefdom Lassa fever-related infections and deaths. Descriptive statistics and charts were employed to evaluate the magnitude and trends of Lassa fever morbidity and deaths. Chi-square was used to determine associations.

A case fatality rate (CFR) of 53.57% (15/28) and a survival rate (SR) of 46.40% (13/28) were found among the 28 Lassa fever cases between 2016 and 2020. More female cases 71.40% (20/28) were recorded than males 28.60%) (8/28) but case fatality was higher in males 62.50% (5/8) compared to their female counterparts 37.50% (3/8) as males were 1.67 times more likely to die of LF infection than females at a 95% confidence interval (0.31 and 8.93). Patients between the ages of 20-38 and 13-19 had more cases (13/28, 46.00%) and (7/28, 25.00%) respectively. LF had a case fatality rate (CFR) of 53.60% (15/28) and a survival rate (SR) of 46.40% (13/28).  2016 and 2017 have the highest LF death (5/15) each whilst 2019 and 2020 recorded the least LF death (1/15) each. More LF cases and deaths occurred in the dry season 61.90% (13/21) than the rainy season 38.10% (8/21).

The study found that the magnitude of LF cases and deaths is high in Lower Bambara chiefdom, Kenema district Eastern Sierra Leone, and outbreaks were identified across the studied years. The results suggested the need for robust and coordinated preventive measures at LF endemic areas and improve on surveillance, and health education for Lassa fever nationwide as the Lassa belt keeps expanding.

Keywords: Lassa Fever, Mortality, Cases, Trends, Lower Bambara, Sierra Leone.