Situational Context

Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that is endemic in West Africa, including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. The incubation period ranges from 2-21 days and transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.

The signs and symptoms are usually gradual, but start with fever, general weakness, malaise, and later headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain or facial swelling, and bleeding.

LF is a major public health concern in Liberia. To date, eight (8) out of the fifteen (15) counties (Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Margibi, Lofa, Montserrado, Grand Kru, and River Gee) have reported confirmed cases. Bong, Grand Bassa, and Nimba counties are endemic, while Margibi, Lofa, Montserrado, Grand Kru, and River Gee have reported sporadic cases.

In 2021, the country recorded 12 outbreaks including 25 laboratory-confirmed cases with 15 deaths accounting for a 60% case fatality rate (CFR). These outbreaks generated 325 contacts of which 196 were healthcare workers (HCWs).

From January 6, 2022 to present, we have recorded 23 outbreaks. The ongoing outbreak, which started January 6, 2022 in Bong County, has recorded 168 laboratory-confirmed cases including 49 deaths (CRF 29%). A total of 1,467 contacts have been recorded including 569 healthcare workers.