Dealing with Lassa fever: managing and curtailing the virus from the healthcare workers perspective in Nigeria

Lassa virus is the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF) and the viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a rodent-borne arenavirus and endemic in West Africa. The outbreak in Nigeria has been a public health challenge. Although awareness is being created and treatment provided there are drivers that could play a role in the progress of the treatment or inhibit the treatment. This could also influence the role of healthcare workers in providing treatment and care to the patients. Treatment of Lassa fever is mainly supportive and societal attributes can make or mar the treatment outcome as well as the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, effective strategies to address these drivers have not been fully utilized. The study assessed how thirty-four healthcare workers perceived Lassa fever and the factors that influenced the treatment and response process in Ondo state.

A qualitative study was conducted utilizing Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews to collect data from thirty-four healthcare workers providing treatment and care to Lassa fever suspects, confirmed cases, significant others and contacts. Four Focus Group Discussions (six participants each) and ten In-depth Interviews were conducted to determine the impact of the Lassa fever epidemic and the factors that influenced treatment and management. The study was conducted among healthcare workers who had been in contact with Lassa fever patients at one point in time in private and public hospitals in Ondo State.

The data collected was analyzed using the thematic analysis to determine the factors that had an impact on treatment and management. Some of the highlighted themes ranged from denial, acceptance, stigma, and proximity to run test/confirm cases to limited PPE materials. The findings highlight the need to create awareness, train healthcare workers and engage stakeholders on best practices in treating and managing Lassa fever.