Q: What isolation precautions are required for Lassa fever?

Strict contact and droplet precautions are required, ideally in a negative-pressure isolation room. Additional precautions include double gloves, impermeable gown, eye protection, N95 respirator (for aerosol-generating procedures), and dedicated equipment. Needles and sharps must be handled with extreme caution.

Question 1

What are the key epidemiological risk factors for Lassa fever?

Accepted Answer

Residence in or travel to rural areas of West Africa (especially Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria) within 21 days is the primary risk. Exposure to infected Mastomys rodents (peridomestic rats) through contaminated food, stored grain, or inhalation of aerosolised rodent excreta is the typical mode of transmission. Nosocomial transmission through contaminated needles or body fluids also occurs.

Question 2

How effective is ribavirin for Lassa fever?

Accepted Answer

Ribavirin, if started within the first 6 days of illness, reduces mortality from ~55% to <10% in high-risk patients. Later initiation is significantly less effective. A loading dose of 30 mg/kg (maximum 2 g) IV is given immediately, followed by a tapering schedule over 10 days. Oral ribavirin may be used if IV is unavailable.

Question 3

What isolation precautions are required for Lassa fever?

Accepted Answer

Strict contact and droplet precautions are required, ideally in a negative-pressure isolation room. Additional precautions include double gloves, impermeable gown, eye protection, N95 respirator (for aerosol-generating procedures), and dedicated equipment. Needles and sharps must be handled with extreme caution.