Lassa Fever - FM Flashcards
Define an alert case of Lassa fever.
Unexplained fever with or without bleeding, ruling out malaria and other causes.
List the symptoms of a suspected Lassa fever case.
Fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia, retrosternal pain.
What constitutes a probable Lassa fever case?
Suspected case dying without laboratory confirmation.
How is a confirmed Lassa fever case identified?
Laboratory confirmation with positive IgM, PCR, or virus isolation.
What is the outbreak threshold for Lassa fever?
A single confirmed case.
What are the common risk factors for contracting Lassa fever?
Contact with rodent excreta/urine or a confirmed case, endemic travel history.
Describe the incubation period of Lassa fever.
6–21 days.
What are the major clinical features of Lassa fever?
Fever, haemorrhage, jaundice, spontaneous abortion, hypotension.
What are minor clinical features of Lassa fever?
Malaise, headache, retrosternal pain, muscle/joint pain, cough, sore throat.
What laboratory findings are indicative of Lassa fever?
Elevated AST, proteinuria, leucopoenia (<4000 IU/L).
What is the role of the LGA DSNO in Lassa fever management?
Reporting suspected cases immediately.
How should suspected Lassa fever cases be managed?
Isolation, PPE use, and symptomatic care.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for Lassa fever?
Gloves, fluid-repellent gowns, face shields, respirators.
Describe the treatment protocol for Lassa fever.
Ribavirin for 10 days; supportive care.
What supportive therapies are recommended for Lassa fever cases?
Oxygenation, BP monitoring, infection management.
List precautions when treating Lassa fever patients.
Avoid IM injections; use soft cleaning methods.
What are poor prognostic indicators for Lassa fever?
Late treatment, severe symptoms, AST >150 IU/mL.
What defines a contact in Lassa fever surveillance?
Exposure to infected persons or fluids within 21 days.
How are contacts categorised in Lassa fever management?
Category 1: No risk; Category 2: Low risk; Category 3: High risk.
What constitutes a Category 1 (No-risk) contact?
Casual contact without exposure to body fluids.