Situational Context
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic 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 faeces. 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, diarrhoea, 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 recorded 13 outbreaks. The ongoing outbreak, which started January 6, 2022 in Bong County, has recorded 140 laboratory-confirmed cases including 41 deaths (CRF 29%). A total of 1133 contacts have been recorded including 399 healthcare workers.
