Can clinical features predict Lassa virus positivity and outcome in children suspected of Lassa virus disease in a tertiary hospital, Southeast Nigeria?

Background: Lassa virus disease (LVD) is of public health concern in endemic countries Africa. Majority infections are asymptomatic while symptomatic cases can mimic other infections. This study was aimed at determining the clinical features seen children with positive PCR and symptoms that determine outcome LVD an community, Southeast Nigeria.
 Materials methods: It a prospective observational enrolled 183 met criteria for suspects. These were subjected to polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). Structured questionnaire used obtain relevant information from suspects.
 Results: Twenty-four out PCR, giving positivity rate 13.1%. The odds having result about 4 times history abdominal pain (OR= 3.65, p= 0.010) 3 fever suspects vomiting 2.63, 0.040). However these had low sensitivity predictive values 42% 28% pain, 42%, 23% respectively. Seven 24 died during period, case fatality 29.2%, bleeding (83.3%) poor urine volume as major causes fatality.
 Conclusion: Vomiting though common presentations besides fever, LVD, therefore cannot predict result. Awareness creation after 2 days treatment febrile illness advocated.