Situational Context
Lassa fever is a major public health concern in Liberia and West Africa at large. 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 experienced 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 recorded 12 outbreaks. The ongoing outbreak, which started January 6, 2022, in Bong County, has recorded 139 laboratory-confirmed cases including 42 deaths (CRF 30%). A total of 1085 contacts were recorded including 469 healthcare workers.