Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria

Adetunji Kolawole Ilori; Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi; Adebisi Michael; Toyosi Adebambo; Kole Emmanuel; Dayo Vincent Kayode

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria

Adetunji Kolawole Ilori^*

, Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi

, Adebisi Michael

, Toyosi Adebambo

, Kole Emmanuel

, Dayo Vincent Kayode

Published in International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (Volume 13, Issue 1)

Received: 9 January 2025 Accepted: 1 February 2025 Published: 26 February 2025

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Abstract

Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.

Published in	International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (Volume 13, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
Page(s)	1-9
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Disease Symptoms, Factor Analysis, Lassa Fever, Logistics Regression, Nigeria, Principal Component Analysis

References

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[2]	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Lassa fever: Symptoms and signs. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
[3]	Akindokun, S. S., Adeleye, O. O. & Olorunlowu, D. R. (2024). The socioeconomic impact of Lassa fever in Nigeria. Discov Public Health 21, 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-024-00265-z
[4]	Shaffer, J. G., Grant, D. S., Schieffelin, J. S., Boisen, M. L., Goba, A., Hartnett, J. N., Levy, D. C., et al. (2014). Lassa fever in post-conflict Sierra Leone. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 8(10), e2748. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0002748
[5]	Dalhat, M. M., Olayinka, A., Meremikwu, M. M., Dan-Nwafor, C., Iniobong, A., Ntoimo, L. F., Onoh, I., Mba, S., Ohonsi, C., Arinze, C., Esu, E. B., Nwafor, O., Oladipupo, I., Onoja, M., Ilori, E., Okonofua, F., Ochu, C. L., Igumbor, E. U., & Adetifa, I. (2022). Epidemiological trends of Lassa fever in Nigeria, 2018-2021. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0279467. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279467
[6]	World Health Organization. (2024). Lassa fever outbreak toolbox. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
[7]	Olayemi, A., Cadar, D., Magassouba, N., Obadare, A., Kourouma, F., Oyeyiola, A.,... & Fichet-Calvet, E. (2016). New hosts of the Lassa virus. Scientific Reports, 6, 25280. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep25280
[8]	Fichet-Calvet, E., & Rogers, D. J. (2009). Risk mapping of Lassa fever in West Africa: The importance of environmental data. Journal of Vector Ecology, 34(1), 81-91. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1948-7134.2009.00010.x
[9]	Ogbu, O., Ajuluchukwu, E., & Uneke, C. J. (2007). Lassa fever in West African sub-region: An overview. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 44(1), 1-11.
[10]	Ilori, E. A., Furuse, Y., Ipadeola, O. B., Dan-Nwafor, C. C., Abubakar, A. A., Womi-Eteng, O. E., & Nsofor, C. A. (2019). Epidemiological profile of Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, January to April 2018. Eurosurveillance, 24(19), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.19.1800368
[11]	Richmond, J. K., & Baglole, D. J. (2003). Lassa fever: Epidemiology, clinical features, and social consequences. BMJ, 327(7426), 1271-1275. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7426.1271
[12]	McCormick, J. B., King, I. J., Webb, P. A., Johnson, K. M., O’Sullivan, R., Smith, E. S., & Elliott, L. H. (1987). Lassa fever: Epidemiological and clinical observations. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 81(3), 467-470. https://doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(87)90212-9
[13]	Basha, S. M., Venugopalaiah, P., & Chandra, Y. P. (2023). A review on Lassa fever. International Journal of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Medical Sciences, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.26452/ijcpms.v3i3.542
[14]	Pal, M., Areda, N. G., & Lema, A. G. (2022). A comprehensive review on Lassa fever in Africa: Epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and control. International Journal of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, 8(3), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.32861/ijhms.83.35.43

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APA Style

Ilori, A. K., Awogbemi, A. C., Michael, A., Adebambo, T., Emmanuel, K., et al. (2025). Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 13(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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ACS Style

Ilori, A. K.; Awogbemi, A. C.; Michael, A.; Adebambo, T.; Emmanuel, K., et al. Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. Int. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 2025, 13(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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AMA Style

Ilori AK, Awogbemi AC, Michael A, Adebambo T, Emmanuel K, et al. Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. Int J Biomed Mater Res. 2025;13(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11,
  author = {Adetunji Kolawole Ilori and Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi and Adebisi Michael and Toyosi Adebambo and Kole Emmanuel and Dayo Vincent Kayode},
  title = {Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria
},
  journal = {International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  abstract = {Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria

AU  - Adetunji Kolawole Ilori
AU  - Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi
AU  - Adebisi Michael
AU  - Toyosi Adebambo
AU  - Kole Emmanuel
AU  - Dayo Vincent Kayode
Y1  - 2025/02/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
T2  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
JF  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
JO  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7579
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
AB  - Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Adetunji Kolawole Ilori

Statistics Programme, National Mathematical Center, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-5378-2989
Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi

Statistics Programme, National Mathematical Center, Abuja, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0942-7954
Adebisi Michael

Nigeria Lassa Fever Epidemiological Research Project, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-5453-1905
Toyosi Adebambo

Department of Public Health, UNICAF University, Lusaka, Zambia

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-0248-1842
Kole Emmanuel

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-5220-0102
Dayo Vincent Kayode

Department of Statistics, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-0290-8652

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Ilori, A. K., Awogbemi, A. C., Michael, A., Adebambo, T., Emmanuel, K., et al. (2025). Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 13(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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ACS Style

Ilori, A. K.; Awogbemi, A. C.; Michael, A.; Adebambo, T.; Emmanuel, K., et al. Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. Int. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 2025, 13(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

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AMA Style

Ilori AK, Awogbemi AC, Michael A, Adebambo T, Emmanuel K, et al. Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria. Int J Biomed Mater Res. 2025;13(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11,
  author = {Adetunji Kolawole Ilori and Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi and Adebisi Michael and Toyosi Adebambo and Kole Emmanuel and Dayo Vincent Kayode},
  title = {Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria
},
  journal = {International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijbmr.20251301.11},
  abstract = {Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria

AU  - Adetunji Kolawole Ilori
AU  - Adeyeye Clement Awogbemi
AU  - Adebisi Michael
AU  - Toyosi Adebambo
AU  - Kole Emmanuel
AU  - Dayo Vincent Kayode
Y1  - 2025/02/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
T2  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
JF  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
JO  - International Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7579
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.11
AB  - Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download