Lassa Fever - FM

Question 1

Define an alert case of Lassa fever.

Answer 1

Unexplained fever with or without bleeding, ruling out malaria and other causes.

Question 2

List the symptoms of a suspected Lassa fever case.

Answer 2

Fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia, retrosternal pain.

Question 3

What constitutes a probable Lassa fever case?

Answer 3

Suspected case dying without laboratory confirmation.

Question 4

How is a confirmed Lassa fever case identified?

Answer 4

Laboratory confirmation with positive IgM, PCR, or virus isolation.

Question 5

What is the outbreak threshold for Lassa fever?

Answer 5

A single confirmed case.

Question 6

What are the common risk factors for contracting Lassa fever?

Answer 6

Contact with rodent excreta/urine or a confirmed case, endemic travel history.

Question 7

Describe the incubation period of Lassa fever.

Answer 7

6–21 days.

Question 8

What are the major clinical features of Lassa fever?

Answer 8

Fever, haemorrhage, jaundice, spontaneous abortion, hypotension.

Question 9

What are minor clinical features of Lassa fever?

Answer 9

Malaise, headache, retrosternal pain, muscle/joint pain, cough, sore throat.

Question 10

What laboratory findings are indicative of Lassa fever?

Answer 10

Elevated AST, proteinuria, leucopoenia (<4000 IU/L).

Question 11

What is the role of the LGA DSNO in Lassa fever management?

Answer 11

Reporting suspected cases immediately.

Question 12

How should suspected Lassa fever cases be managed?

Answer 12

Isolation, PPE use, and symptomatic care.

Question 13

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for Lassa fever?

Answer 13

Gloves, fluid-repellent gowns, face shields, respirators.

Question 14

Describe the treatment protocol for Lassa fever.

Answer 14

Ribavirin for 10 days; supportive care.

Question 15

What supportive therapies are recommended for Lassa fever cases?

Answer 15

Oxygenation, BP monitoring, infection management.

Question 16

List precautions when treating Lassa fever patients.

Answer 16

Avoid IM injections; use soft cleaning methods.

Question 17

What are poor prognostic indicators for Lassa fever?

Answer 17

Late treatment, severe symptoms, AST >150 IU/mL.

Question 18

What defines a contact in Lassa fever surveillance?

Answer 18

Exposure to infected persons or fluids within 21 days.

Question 19

How are contacts categorised in Lassa fever management?

Answer 19

Category 1: No risk; Category 2: Low risk; Category 3: High risk.

Question 20

What constitutes a Category 1 (No-risk) contact?

Answer 20

Casual contact without exposure to body fluids.

Question 21

Define a Category 2 (Low-risk) contact.

Answer 21

Protected exposure to fluids or specimens.

Question 22

What is a Category 3 (High-risk) contact?

Answer 22

Unprotected exposure to infectious materials.

Question 23

When should post-exposure prophylaxis be given for Lassa fever?

Answer 23

For Category 3 contacts with confirmed exposure.

Question 24

What is the discharge criterion for a patient with Lassa fever?

Answer 24

Negative PCR and clinical recovery.

Question 25

How should contaminated clothing be handled in Lassa fever management?

Answer 25

Disinfect with 0.5% chlorine, wash, rinse, air-dry.

Question 26

Outline the steps for disinfection in the isolation ward.

Answer 26

Disinfect patient belongings, burn sheets, clean surfaces.

Question 27

Describe how to prepare a dead body safely in Lassa fever cases.

Answer 27

Disinfect, use PPE, seal in body bags, and limit contact.

Question 28

Why is family engagement important in safe burial practices?

Answer 28

Ensures compliance and understanding of safe practices.

Question 29

What measures should be taken when transporting a dead body?

Answer 29

Wear PPE, carry bleach spray, avoid direct contact.

Question 30

How should the burial site be prepared for Lassa fever victims?

Answer 30

2 metres deep; restrict to family-only ceremonies.

Question 31

What is the preferred drug for Lassa fever treatment?

Answer 31

Ribavirin.

Question 32

Why is early treatment with Ribavirin crucial in Lassa fever?

Answer 32

Best outcomes within 6 days of symptom onset.

Question 33

What is the role of fluid and electrolyte balance in Lassa fever management?

Answer 33

Prevents complications like shock and kidney failure.

Question 34

Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in Lassa fever?

Answer 34

Increased bleeding risk.

Question 35

What are the precautions for handling waste in Lassa fever cases?

Answer 35

Use needle-free systems, proper disposal.

Question 36

List the aerosol-generating procedures to avoid with Lassa fever patients.

Answer 36

Intubation, bronchoscopy, positive pressure ventilation.

Question 37

How should healthcare workers be protected during Lassa fever outbreaks?

Answer 37

Restrict staff, use droplet precautions.

Question 38

What is the significance of elevated SGOT/AST in Lassa fever?

Answer 38

Indicates liver involvement, poor prognosis.

Question 39

How are suspected Lassa fever cases notified?

Answer 39

Use IDSR 001A form to notify.

Question 40

What is the significance of hearing loss in Lassa fever diagnosis?

Answer 40

Suggestive of Lassa fever during assessment.

Question 41

What is the first-line therapy for respiratory distress in Lassa fever patients?

Answer 41

Oxygen supplementation.

Question 42

Why is double gloving recommended in Lassa fever management?

Answer 42

Prevents hand contamination.

Question 43

What is the significance of a high index of suspicion in Lassa fever diagnosis?

Answer 43

Helps identify atypical presentations early.

Question 44

What is the duration of Ribavirin treatment for Lassa fever?

Answer 44

10 days.

Question 45

What is the recommended dose of Ribavirin on days 1-4 of treatment?

Answer 45

16 mg/kg every 6 hours.

Question 46

How should patients with uncontrolled vomiting be managed?

Answer 46

Maintain hydration, administer antiemetics.

Question 47

What steps should be taken for patients experiencing seizures due to Lassa fever?

Answer 47

Administer diazepam and oxygen.

Question 48

Why is it important not to remove old blood clots from previous bleeding sites?

Answer 48

Increases bleeding risk.

Question 49

How is the interior of a vehicle disinfected after transporting a dead body?

Answer 49

Use 0.5% bleach, leave for 10 minutes, rinse.

Question 50

What communication strategies are vital for community engagement in Lassa fever prevention?

Answer 50

Transparent information and culturally sensitive practices.