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.
Define a Category 2 (Low-risk) contact.
Protected exposure to fluids or specimens.
What is a Category 3 (High-risk) contact?
Unprotected exposure to infectious materials.
When should post-exposure prophylaxis be given for Lassa fever?
For Category 3 contacts with confirmed exposure.
What is the discharge criterion for a patient with Lassa fever?
Negative PCR and clinical recovery.
How should contaminated clothing be handled in Lassa fever management?
Disinfect with 0.5% chlorine, wash, rinse, air-dry.
Outline the steps for disinfection in the isolation ward.
Disinfect patient belongings, burn sheets, clean surfaces.
Describe how to prepare a dead body safely in Lassa fever cases.
Disinfect, use PPE, seal in body bags, and limit contact.
Why is family engagement important in safe burial practices?
Ensures compliance and understanding of safe practices.
What measures should be taken when transporting a dead body?
Wear PPE, carry bleach spray, avoid direct contact.
How should the burial site be prepared for Lassa fever victims?
2 metres deep; restrict to family-only ceremonies.
What is the preferred drug for Lassa fever treatment?
Ribavirin.
Why is early treatment with Ribavirin crucial in Lassa fever?
Best outcomes within 6 days of symptom onset.
What is the role of fluid and electrolyte balance in Lassa fever management?
Prevents complications like shock and kidney failure.
Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in Lassa fever?
Increased bleeding risk.
What are the precautions for handling waste in Lassa fever cases?
Use needle-free systems, proper disposal.
List the aerosol-generating procedures to avoid with Lassa fever patients.
Intubation, bronchoscopy, positive pressure ventilation.
How should healthcare workers be protected during Lassa fever outbreaks?
Restrict staff, use droplet precautions.
What is the significance of elevated SGOT/AST in Lassa fever?
Indicates liver involvement, poor prognosis.
How are suspected Lassa fever cases notified?
Use IDSR 001A form to notify.
What is the significance of hearing loss in Lassa fever diagnosis?
Suggestive of Lassa fever during assessment.
What is the first-line therapy for respiratory distress in Lassa fever patients?
Oxygen supplementation.
Why is double gloving recommended in Lassa fever management?
Prevents hand contamination.
What is the significance of a high index of suspicion in Lassa fever diagnosis?
Helps identify atypical presentations early.
What is the duration of Ribavirin treatment for Lassa fever?
10 days.
What is the recommended dose of Ribavirin on days 1-4 of treatment?
16 mg/kg every 6 hours.
How should patients with uncontrolled vomiting be managed?
Maintain hydration, administer antiemetics.
What steps should be taken for patients experiencing seizures due to Lassa fever?
Administer diazepam and oxygen.
Why is it important not to remove old blood clots from previous bleeding sites?
Increases bleeding risk.
How is the interior of a vehicle disinfected after transporting a dead body?
Use 0.5% bleach, leave for 10 minutes, rinse.
What communication strategies are vital for community engagement in Lassa fever prevention?
Transparent information and culturally sensitive practices.
