WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 50: 11 -17 December 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 17 December 2023
...
Liberia
Lassa Fever
107 Cases
32 Deaths
30% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Lassa fever outbreaks in Liberia pose a major public
health concern with cases recorded annually. This
current outbreak has span from 6 January 2022 to date
requiring focused attention and resources due to its
impact on the well-being and safety of the population.
The latest situation report, covering the week 49,
highlights one new confirmed case which resulted in a
death in Nimba County. Additionally, 14 new contacts
have been identified and line-listed, bringing the total
number of contacts currently under follow-up to 175.
As of December 7, 2023, the outbreak has been reported
in eight of Liberia’s 15 counties, with Bong, Grand
Bassa, and Nimba counties being endemic areas. Other
counties including Margibi, Lofa, Montserrado, Grand
Kru, and River Gee have reported sporadic cases.
Since the start of the outbreak on 6 January 2022 to 7
December 2023, a total of 107 laboratory-confirmed
cases, including 32 deaths, have been recorded,
resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR=30%). Bong County
has (57%, n=61) cases of the total recorded cases with
13 deaths (CFR =40.6), followed by Grand Bassa County
with (30.8%, n=33) cases and (CFR=31.3%, n=10)
deaths. Nimba County has (8.4%, n=9) cases and seven
(CFR=29.1%) deaths, Montserrado recorded the least
with (3.7%, n=4) cases and two (CFR= 6.3%) deaths.
A total of 1 098 contacts have been identified, including
474 healthcare workers. Among these contacts, 61
developed into confirmed cases of Lassa fever.
Additionally, issues such as late health seeking behavior,
limited trained clinical staff, insufficient infection
prevention and control materials, inadequate community
sensitization materials, and limited logistics for case
investigation and contact tracing need to be addressed
to enhance the effectiveness of the response.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
Coordination: The National Public Health Institute
of Liberia and the Ministry of Health are providing
technical and logistical support to County Health
Teams, aided by various partners.
Epidemiological Surveillance: Active case search
and contact tracing are ongoing in affected
communities and districts. Weekly situational
reports are being developed and disseminated
by affected counties.
Laboratory Support: The National Public Health
Reference Laboratory continues to test Lassa
fever samples, having confirmed 107 cases since
the outbreak began.
Case Management and Infection Prevention and
Control: Cases are being isolated and managed
in designated facilities. Ribavirin, an antiviral
medication, is being distributed for the treatment
of Lassa fever cases in affected counties.
Environmental and Vector Control: Clean-up
campaigns and rodent control measures are
ongoing in affected communities.
Risk Communication and Community
Engagement: Continuous risk communication
and community engagement efforts are taking
place in affected and surrounding communities.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Liberia presents
a significant public health challenge, especially given
its high CFR and the involvement of healthcare workers
as contacts. The coordinated response efforts,
including robust surveillance, case management, and
community engagement, are critical in controlling the
spread of the virus. Strengthening health systems,
particularly in rural and underserved areas, and
enhancing community awareness and preventive
measures will be key in mitigating the impact of Lassa
fever and preventing future outbreaks.
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/375728/OEW50-1117122023.pdf
