Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC202520 (Poster 097) | Published:  04 Aug 2025

Lassa fever in pregnancy resulting in maternal mortality: A report of two cases

Samuel Okwuchukwu Ilikannu1, Sunday Emmanuel Jombo1, Ifeanyi Jude Ofuani2, Angelica Chinecherem Uwaezuoke1,&, Christian Igibah1, Chikodili Ogugua Ilikannu3, Chidinma Onwuasoeze4, Chinonye Sandra Osakwe1, Princess Chinelo Igboejesi1, Hillary Onome Onomuighokpo1

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, 2Department of Urology, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, 3Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, 4Department of Paediatrics Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom

&Corresponding author: Angelica Chinecherem Uwaezuoke, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, Email:angelnechy@gmail.com

Received: 31 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 04 Aug 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, viral haemorrhagic fever, maternal mortality, pregnancy

©Samuel Okwuchukwu Ilikannu 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: Samuel Okwuchukwu Ilikannu et al., Lassa fever in pregnancy resulting in maternal mortality: A report of two cases. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00241. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00241

Introduction

Lassa fever is a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fever that is often fatal, with pregnant women carrying a threefold risk of maternal and perinatal mortality. In pregnancy, the disease often presents with symptoms which overlap with other febrile illnesses and pregnancy-specific conditions.

Methods

We are reporting two cases of Lassa fever in unbooked pregnant women who presented to our facility with severe febrile illness, haemorrhagic signs, seizures and rapid clinical deterioration. These clinical features at presentation and bedside tests raised suspicion of viral haemorrhagic fever. However, the diagnosis was confirmed with Lassa PCR. Both women died within 12 hours despite prompt resuscitative measures. 

Results

These cases highlight the diagnostic challenge of Lassa fever among pregnant women due to its nonspecific presentation. The delay in recognizing its symptoms in pregnancy and the disease’s rapid progression resulted in poor outcomes. A high index of suspicion is necessary.  

Conclusion

Prevention of Lassa fever infection remains key, both in the community and the hospital. As there is currently no approved vaccine for Lassa fever, effective prevention through rodent control and strict infection control protocols are paramount. 

 
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Keywords

  • Lassa fever
  • Viral haemorrhagic fever
  • Maternal mortality
  • Pregnancy
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