EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE IN LASSA FEVER DURING PREGNANCY: A CASE REPORT DEMONSTRATING FAVOURABLE MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME IN AN ENDEMIC NIGERIAN SETTING
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Abstract
Lassa fever poses a serious maternal and fetal threat in West Africa, with high mortality often linked to late presentation and limited access to specialized care. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and rapid clinical deterioration. However, successful outcomes are achievable when diagnosis is timely and multidisciplinary interventions are promptly implemented.
We report the case of a 32-year-old woman in her third trimester who presented as a suspected case of Lassa fever with high-grade fever, prostration, and other signs suggestive of viral haemorrhagic fever. Laboratory evaluation confirmed Lassa virus infection using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing. She was immediately managed at the Infection Control and Research Centre, Federal Medical Centre Owo, with a care team consisting of infectious disease physicians, obstetricians, neonatologists, and critical care nurses. Treatment included ribavirin therapy, fluid resuscitation, electrolyte management, and close fetal monitoring.
The pregnancy was successfully continued until spontaneous labour ensued. A live infant was delivered with favourable birth weight and Apgar scores. Although neonatal RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction) later confirmed Lassa virus infection, early supportive care contributed to a stable post-delivery course. The mother also showed satisfactory recovery without obstetric or systemic complications.
This case underscores that favourable maternal and neonatal outcomes are possible even in the context of Lassa fever when early diagnosis, coordinated multidisciplinary care, and prompt supportive management are ensured
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References
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