article · Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
Lassa fever is an endemic viral haemorrhagic fever in West Africa causing substantial annual morbidity and mortality. While early treatment with ribavirin dramatically reduces death rates, neuropsychiatric manifestations of the disease are rarely documented, and mental health professionals are seldom part of clinical care teams. An evaluation of patients managed at a military hospital in Makurdi showed that four out of seven patients displayed neuropsychiatric or neurological signs. Observed features included confusion, delirium, restlessness, low mood, weeping spells, hallucinations, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Patients presenting with psychiatric manifestations experienced prolonged hospital stays. However, integrating mental health specialists into clinical management improved patient cooperation and overall outcomes. Incorporating neuropsychiatric symptoms into national treatment protocols and care teams is essential for better infection control and patient management.
Lassa fever remains a major public health threat with high fatality rates. Unrecognised psychiatric symptoms can complicate care, prolong hospitalisation, and hinder infection control during outbreaks. Recognising these manifestations enables medical teams to deliver comprehensive care, improve patient compliance with isolation and treatment measures, and reduce healthcare burdens during viral haemorrhagic fever emergencies.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, focusing instead on clinical observations, multidisciplinary care integration, and revisions to national treatment guidelines.
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Introduction Lassa fever (LF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa, affecting an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 individuals annually. It is associated with high morbidity and a mortality rate of 15–65% among hospitalized patients. While 80% of infections are asymptomatic, symptomatic cases often begin with non-specific features resembling malaria. Early diagnosis and administration of intravenous Ribavirin can reduce mortality from 55% to 5%. However, limited treatment facilities and access to PCR testing facilities remains a major challenge. Neuropsychiatric manifestations in LF are underreported, and psychiatrists are rarely included in the management team. This case series describes the neuropsychiatric symptoms observed in LF patients at the 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital (NAFH), Makurdi. Methods Patient files of individuals treated for Lassa fever were retrieved and reviewed for neuropsychiatric features. Four out of seven patients exhibited such symptoms. Relevant literature and national LF management guidelines were also reviewed to assess current coverage of psychiatric symptoms. Results Neuropsychiatric symptoms were documented in three of the four cases, including confusion, delirium, restlessness, low mood, irrational behavior, weeping spells, and auditory or olfactory hallucinations. Neurological features such as seizures and loss of consciousness were observed in two cases. All patients received early Ribavirin treatment. Involvement of mental health professionals during care led to improved clinical outcomes and cooperation. Prolonged hospital stays were noted in cases with psychiatric manifestations. Conclusion Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Lassa fever are clinically significant but often overlooked. Their recognition is crucial for effective management and infection control. There is a need to revise national treatment guidelines to include psychiatric features and to integrate mental health professionals into LF care teams. Further studies are recommended to explore the full spectrum and implications of psychiatric involvement in Lassa fever.
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DOI: 10.37432/jieph-confpro5-00253
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