Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC2025243 (Poster 109) | Published: 06 Aug 2025
Obekpa Isaiah Obekpa1,&, Godian Chibueze Ezema2, David Tariemi Adika2, Oluwagbogo Christiana Oyebade2, Olatunji Samuel Oguntuase2, Joseph Hassan Solomon2, Saheed Olawale Mustapha2, Onyemocho Audu3, Michael Agbo Amedu3
1Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria, 2161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria, 3Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Obekpa Isaiah Obekpa, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria. Email: obekpaoyi@gmail.com
Received: 31 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 06 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: Lassa fever, neuropsychiatric symptoms, Ribavirin, mental health, Nigeria
©Obekpa Isaiah Obekpa 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: Obekpa Isaiah Obekpa et al., Psychiatric symptoms in people with probable or confirmed Lassa fever in a military hospital in North Central Nigeria: A case series. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00253. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00253
Lassa fever (LF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa, affecting an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 individuals annually. It is associated with high morbidity and a mortality rate of 15–65% among hospitalized patients. While 80% of infections are asymptomatic, symptomatic cases often begin with non-specific features resembling malaria. Early diagnosis and administration of intravenous Ribavirin can reduce mortality from 55% to 5%. However, limited treatment facilities and access to PCR testing facilities remains a major challenge. Neuropsychiatric manifestations in LF are underreported, and psychiatrists are rarely included in the management team. This case series describes the neuropsychiatric symptoms observed in LF patients at the 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital (NAFH), Makurdi.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms were documented in three of the four cases, including confusion, delirium, restlessness, low mood, irrational behavior, weeping spells, and auditory or olfactory hallucinations. Neurological features such as seizures and loss of consciousness were observed in two cases. All patients received early Ribavirin treatment. Involvement of mental health professionals during care led to improved clinical outcomes and cooperation. Prolonged hospital stays were noted in cases with psychiatric manifestations.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Lassa fever are clinically significant but often overlooked. Their recognition is crucial for effective management and infection control. There is a need to revise national treatment guidelines to include psychiatric features and to integrate mental health professionals into LF care teams. Further studies are recommended to explore the full spectrum and implications of psychiatric involvement in Lassa fever.
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