Addressing the Lassa Fever Epidemic in West Africa: A Mathematical Modelling Approach

Authors

  • Sodiq Inaolaji Yusuff Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3922-9286 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3922-9286
  • Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
  • Olalekan Tolulope Popoola Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
  • Kunle Oreagba Department of Statistics, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
  • Olufunmilayo Victoria Bolarinwa Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.172

Keywords:

Lassa fever, mathematical modelling, West Africa, Mastomys

Abstract

Lassa fever is a viral haemorraghic fever, accounting for about 5,000-10,000 deaths annually. The disease is endemic in West-Africa with seasonal epidemics. We proposed that with the use of mathematical modelling studies, we can predict accurately when the outbreak will likely occur by computing the infectivity rate, weather patterns and population of rodents. With this, adequate preventive measures and public health control interventions can be put in place to prevent the outbreak. This necessitates the need for more policy-relevant mathematical modelling studies on Lassa Fever, starting with building capacity in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is prevalent.

Author Biography

Sodiq Inaolaji Yusuff, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3922-9286

Sodiq is a medical doctor and public health professional with specific interests in infectious diseases, one health, vaccine development and health systems strengthening. He has conducted policy-relevant studies on endemic diseases in Africa and beyond, such as malaria, Lassa fever, arboviruses and others. He is a one-health advocate, looking forward to conducting more groundbreaking research, which outcomes will inform policies that will strengthen disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness and concomitantly, the health systems.

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Published

2022-08-24

How to Cite

Yusuff, S. I., Oladunjoye, I. O., Popoola, O. T., Oreagba, K., & Bolarinwa, O. V. (2022). Addressing the Lassa Fever Epidemic in West Africa: A Mathematical Modelling Approach. Global Biosecurity, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.172

Issue

Vol. 4 (2022)

Section

Letters to the Editor

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Copyright (c) 2022 The Author(s)

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Received 2022-07-27
Accepted 2022-08-12
Published 2022-08-24