Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC202518 (Poster 011) | Published: 30 Jul 2025

Lassa fever case management capacity in ECOWAS: A multi-country epidemiological and operational assessment, 2020–2024

Awori Andrew Sime1,&, Lionel Solété Sogbossi1, Virgil Kuassi Lokossou1, Aishat Usman1, Félix Agbla1

1West African Health Organization (WAHO), Bobo, Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

&Corresponding author: Andrew Awori Sime, West Africa Health Organization, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Email: andrewaworis@gmail.com

Received: 11 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 30 Jul 2025

Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology

This is part of the Proceedings of the ECOWAS 2nd Lassa fever International Conference in Abidjan, September 8 – 11, 2025

Keywords: Lassa fever, Case management, ECOWAS, Viral hemorrhagic fever, Infectious disease preparedness, Public health response

©Awori Andrew Sime et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Cite this article: Awori Andrew Sime et al., Lassa fever case management capacity in ECOWAS: A multi-country epidemiological and operational assessment, 2020–2024. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00155. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00155  

Introduction

Lassa fever is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, with a significant burden in ECOWAS countries. Transmitted primarily through Mastomys natalensis rodent excreta and human-to-human contact, it has high case fatality rates (CFR) and causes nosocomial outbreaks due to delayed diagnosis and weak infection prevention and control (IPC). Despite frequent outbreaks, case management remains fragmented, with disparities in diagnostics, treatment access, and IPC implementation. This study assessed Lassa fever case management capacity in ECOWAS countries from 2020–2024 to identify gaps in clinical care, laboratory infrastructure, and healthcare worker (HCW) preparedness, informing policy recommendations for improved epidemic response.

Methods

A cross-sectional, multi-country assessment was conducted from 2020–2024 using data from national surveillance systems, treatment centers, and public health institutions. A standardized questionnaire targeted:

  • Study population: National health agencies, hospitals, and Lassa treatment centers
  •  Eligibility: Facilities managing Lassa cases or involved in surveillance
  •  Data collection: Surveys, interviews, and retrospective data review
  • Outcomes: Case counts, fatalities, CFR, lab capacity (RT-PCR and turnaround), IPC measures, treatment protocols, HCW training, and cross-border coordination
  •  Analysis: Descriptive statistics to assess regional disparities.

Results

Between 2020–2024, 42,301 suspected Lassa cases were reported in ECOWAS, with 5,716 confirmed and 1,130 deaths (CFR: 20%). Nigeria had the most confirmed cases (5,345) and an 18% CFR; Sierra Leone had a CFR of 67%. Lab turnaround varied: Nigeria (66 hrs), Ghana (108 hrs), Liberia (48 hrs). Treatment guidelines and Ribavirin access were inconsistent. HCW training was lacking in several countries. Poor cross-border data-sharing further weakened preparedness.

Conclusion

Critical gaps remain in diagnostics, treatment, HCW training, and regional coordination. Urgent priorities include standardizing protocols, strengthening labs, training HCWs, and enhancing data-sharing. A unified, regionally coordinated response is vital for improved Lassa fever control.

 
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Keywords

 

  • Lassa fever
  • Case management
  • ECOWAS
  • Viral hemorrhagic fever
  • Infectious disease preparedness
  • Public health response
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