This article mainly reported the Postexposure prophylaxis for Lassa fever. Lassa fever (LF) is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by Mastomys natalensis, the primary rodent species that carries Lassa virus. They prospectively collected epidemiological and clinical data of LF contacts. However, information regarding ribavirin adverse effects (AEs) were collected retrospectively through a telephone interview. High-risk contacts were clinically monitored orPEP. Thirty-five (94.6%) out of the 37 individuals enrolled in the study were contacts of confirmed LF cases, and friends and family members (54%) constituted the largest group. However, only 29 (83%) individuals were classified as high-risk contacts. Body weakness (33%) was the most frequent AE. Then they concluded that Secondary transmission of LF seems uncommon and the benefit of orPEP is uncertain. Although AEs of ribavirin may not be uncommon, they are rarely serious enough to cause treatment interruption. More emphasis should be on supporting persons looking after LF cases adopt measures that minimize the risks of exposure.
Read More
