1.1 Introduction
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses (VHFC, 2013). It is transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta (CDC, 2004). The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa. Person-to- person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in the hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures (Ogbu et al. 2007). Diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Early treatment of Lassa fever is very important for survival and requires specialized treatment using the guanosine analogue ribavirin. Care must also be taken to avoid spread of the disease in hospital settings (Achinge et al., 2013 and Micheal et al., 2001).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Lassa fever is a highly prevalent viral zoonosis that affects two to three million people in West Africa. This is a rodent- borne disease, which has serious consequences on the population and hospital staff in endemic areas. Lassa fever which has incubation period of 6-21 days is endemic to some parts of Nigeria including Benue state (Coker et al., 2000). Lassa Virus is highly contagious, classified by the American centers for Disease control and prevention as class A virus and requiring bio-safety level for management (Quick Reference Guide, 2015). The disease is especially severe in late pregnancy, with maternal death and/or fetal loss occurring in greater than 80% of cases during the third trimester. There has been concerted effort at prevention of Lassa Fever (LF) outbreak following the unprecedented record of 2012, many events like recent flooding and ethnic clashes among the people have caused an increase in vulnerable population as well as the possibility of human contact with rodents, among which is the Mastomys natalensis, the reservoir and host to the Lassa germ (Weekly Epidemiology Report, 2015).
As reported by WHO, 2005 Lassa hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus is endemic in some countries in West Africa including Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria. It is an acute, highly infectious zoonotic disease whose public health importance is heightened by its nosocomial spread especially in areas endemicity (Fisher-Hoch et al., 2009). The host agent for the Lassa virus is the multimamate rat called mastomys natalensis. Lassa infested rat does not become ill, but sheds the virus in its urine and droppings. Humans are infected when they come in direct contact with this urine, feces deposited on surfaces such as floors or beds, or in food or water (WHO, 2005). Those who eat rodents as delicacies or those who kill them for sport are most likely to be infected by direct contact with its blood. Rat bites on humans is also another avenue for zoonotic transmission.
In the study by Richmond and Baglole (2003) Person-to-person and laboratory infections occur, especially in the hospital environment, by direct contact with blood (including inoculation with contaminated needles), pharyngeal (throat) secretions or urine of a patient, or by sexual contact. Person-to-person spread may occur during the acute phase of fever through aerosolized cough/saliva droplets when the virus is present in the throat. Lassa fever symptomatically mimics that of malaria and typhoid fever and is often not diagnosed in the early stages. The case presents with fever, headache, sore throat, retrostenal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, abdominal pain, non-injury related haemorrhage Kerne et al. (2009). In about 80% of the infections, clinical presentation may be mild without any observable symptoms (CDC, 2004) while the remaining 20% may have severe multisystem disease. In the absence of treatment with antiviral drug Ribavirin 15% of patients who get hospitalized will eventually die.
Therefore, in Edo State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to examine the Prevalence of Lassa Fever in Esan West Local Government Area.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals that lassa fever incubation period varies from six (6) days to twenty one (21) days. It is symptomatic and usually characterized by fever, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, abdominal chest pains. Illness may progress to more severe symptoms including haemorrhaging, neurological problems, hearing loss, tremors and encephalitis (CDC, 2014).
Due to the absence of vaccine against the virus and the impractical control of the rodent host (mastomys species) population, control measures are limited to keeping rodents out of homes and food supplies and also maintaining proper personal hygiene. Using these rodents as food source should be discouraged (Ogbu et al., 2007 and Adewuyi et al., 2009).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Prevalence of Lassa Fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State using Ekpoma as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To find out if there is a poor Lassa fever infection control among health facilities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State;
- To identify the therapeutic effect of Lassa fever outbreak in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State; and
- To recommend possible preventive measure of Lassa fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there poor Lassa fever infection control among health facilities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State?
- What is the therapeutic effect of Lassa fever outbreak in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State?
- What is the possible preventive measure of Lassa fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There was no outbreak of Lassa fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State
- H1: There was outbreak of Lassa fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no poor Lassa fever infection control among health facilities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State
- H1: There is poor Lassa fever infection control among health facilities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State
1.7 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Prevalence of Lassa Fever in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State using Ekpoma as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Lassa Fever: It is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses (VHFC, 2013).
