Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa. While most infections are mild, severe cases have high morbidity and mortality, with case fatality rates ranging from 15% in mild cases to 60% in severe cases. Survivors often experience chronic health complications, but these long-term effects remain understudied despite their public health significance. This scoping review synthesises evidence on the long-term health sequelae of Lassa fever, maps key findings from existing studies, and identifies critical gaps to guide future research and clinical care. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar (up to September 2024) for English-language studies reporting physical, psychological, and functional outcomes ≥ 4 weeks post-recovery. Studies were selected using PCC framework (Population: Lassa survivors; Concept: Long-term sequelae; Context: Endemic regions globally). PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Nine (9) studies from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Germany were included, comprising three cross-sectional studies, two case-control studies, two case reports, one retrospective descriptive study and one retrospective cohort study. Hearing loss was the most prevalent sequela (16–35% of survivors), often bilateral and sensorineural with associated balance disorders (55%) and social isolation. Neurological sequelae included delayed-onset paraparesis, seizures (37% in on cohort) and cognitive impairment (8.8%). 42% of survivors in one study had ophthalmic manifestations such as cataract and retinal hemorrhage. Depression and delirium were frequently reported. Lassa fever has significant long-term health consequences requiring multidisciplinary care. More research, particularly longitudinal and interventional studies is needed to improve post-recovery outcomes, survivor rehabilitation, inform evidence-based policies and guide resource allocation in endemic regions.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa that poses a significant public health burden. One of its most debilitating complications is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which affects up to 30% of survivors, regardless of the severity of its acute phase. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hearing loss in Lassa fever are not yet fully understood. In this review, we explore four potential mechanisms: direct viral damage to cochlear structures, immune-mediated cochleitis, cochlear neuritis, and vascular compromise. The neurotropic properties of Lassa fever may allow it to directly invade cochlear structures or trigger immune responses that damage auditory tissues. Cochlear inflammation and ischemic damage due to systemic inflammatory response and vascular dysfunction in Lassa fever also contribute to hearing loss. Despite these insights, gaps remain in understanding the exact mechanisms, and further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular and immune profiles associated with hearing loss in Lassa fever. Clinically, early detection and intervention, including routine auditory assessments and timely treatment, are crucial to improve the quality of life for survivors. Further research is needed to develop targeted therapies and implement public health measures to address this neglected complication in endemic regions.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, particularly Nigeria. Despite efforts to control its spread, gaps in knowledge and preventive behaviours remain, particularly among mothers of young children. This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and preventive practices regarding Lassa fever among mothers of under-five children in Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 mothers with children under five using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors, knowledge, and preventive practices. All participants (100%) had heard of Lassa fever, with health workers being the most common source of information (55.4%). Most mothers (72%) demonstrated good knowledge of Lassa fever symptoms, where as 67% reported good preventive practices, such as handwashing (71.5%) and maintaining proper drainage systems (70.8%). Ethnicity and education were significantly associated with knowledge of Lassa fever (p < 0.001), while marital status, ethnicity and parity were significantly associated with preventive practices (p < 0.05). This study revealed high awareness and knowledge of Lassa fever among mothers, yet preventive practices were suboptimal. Public health interventions should focus on improving preventive behaviours through targeted health education, particularly in underserved communities, to reduce the disease burden in endemic regions.

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of video-based resources into medical education has become common practice in many middle- and high-income countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, usage, and receptivity of video-based learning among medical students in a resource-limited setting in Nigeria. METHODS: A mixed-method approach was utilized, involving both quantitative and qualitative data collection among fourth, fifth, and sixth-year medical students. Sampling was conducted via simple random selection, and data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 for descriptive statistics, while thematic coding was applied to qualitative data using NVivo. RESULTS: A majority (79%) were aware of video-based learning, with YouTube being the most used platform. However, barriers such as high data cost (79.7%) and poor internet connectivity (77.2%) limited utilization. Qualitative analysis highlighted the value of flexible, engaging content in learning and restructuring of existing curriculum to maximize the benefits of videos but raised concerns about standardization, patient privacy, and infrastructure. CONCLUSION: Although students recognize the effectiveness of video-based learning, its integration into medical curricula requires addressing barriers such as internet access and content quality. Institutional support is critical for maximizing its potential.

Caesarean section (CS) is an essential life-saving intervention for the management of obstetric complications that endanger maternal and neonatal health. D