A Case Report of Lassa Fever between Boundary Communities in Nigeria and Republic of Benin: A Call for International Collaboration

Abstract

The spread of Lassa Fever (LF) cases across international borders call for cross-board management and collaboration. This case report describes a laboratory-confirmed index case of LF in Kwara state, Nigeria. The case of LF in Kwara state was a 30-year-old woman who presented with a history of fever, headache, and abdominal pain and had been treated for malaria. On 13th February 2020, the Kwara State Ministry of Health was notified of a suspected case of LF. The case visited health facilities in Kwara state, Nigeria, and the Republic of Benin during her illness. Blood samples were obtained from her, and she was confirmed a positive LF case in the Republic of Benin. Although LF diagnosis is challenging, multisectoral collaboration and effective community engagement within the framework of the International Health Regulations is required to control the LF outbreak promptly.

Keywords

• Lassa fever
• Lassa virus
• International health regulations
• Benin
• Nigeria