Resources

Case-control study of Mastomys natalensis and humans in Lassa virus-infected households in Sierra Leone

This resource studied Lassa virus infection and antibodies in households where Lassa fever cases occurred and compared these to those in the nearest neighbour houses and "far" houses located across the village. It reports on rodent infection and human anti-body prevalence. 

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Housing equity for health equity: A rights-based approach to the control of Lassa fever in post-war Sierra Leone

This resource focuses on Lassa fever as a matter of human rights, proposing a strategy to improve housing quality, and discusses how housing equity has the potential to improve health equity and ultimately economic productivity in Sierra Leone. The paper is designed to spur discussion and action towards the provision of housing as part of efforts to prevent disease.

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Acute sensorineural deafness in Lassa fever

This resource describes a prospective audiometric evaluation of 69 hospitalized febrile patients in Sierra Leone, West Africa, that revealed a sensorineural hearing deficit (SNHD) in 14 (29%) of 49 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and in 0 of 20 febrile controls. This study found that lassa fever is associated with an incidence of SNHD, which considerably exceeds that previously reported with any other postnatally acquired infection.

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At home with Mastomys and Rattus: Human-rodent interactions and potential for primary transmission of Lassa virus in domestic spaces

In this study housing characteristics and domestic organization were fund to have an impact on the direct and indirect, intentional and unintentional contact with rodents indoors. More research on housing and environmental modification, as well as food storage are important for prevention against LASV transmission.

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Healthcare providers on the frontlines: A qualitative investigation of the social and emotional impact of delivering health services during Sierra Leone’s Ebola epidemic

This paper describes the stigma experienced by health care workers during the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, and recommends psychological support mechanisms for medical staff working in epidemic contexts.

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Poor housing quality increases risk of rodent infestation and Lassa fever in refugee camps of Sierra Leone

To determine risk of Lassa fever in households in Sierra Leonean refugee camps, this paper analysed the spatial relationships between households with a Lassa case and focal locations of potential rodent habitats. Quality and hygiene factors of households were assessed to determine possible risk factors for household rodent infestation and occurrence of Lassa fever.

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Lassa fever: Epidemiology, clinical features, and social consequences

This resource describes the epidemiology of Lassa fever and its vector, as well as the clinical course and management of the disease. It then reports on current treatment efforts, surveillance and disease control before presenting community perspectives through a knowledge, attitude and practice survey and a qualitative study.  

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