Prophylactic Treatment

Prophylactic treatment for persons exposed to VHF - specific to Lassa fever (only evidence)

The level of prophylaxis provided depends on the assessment of the situation and ascertainment of the level of risk. Below is a guide to categorising exposed people to various risk groups depending on exposure.

For contacts who fit category 3 description, ribavirin should be administered prophylactically. Also, all those in category 2 or 3 should be actively followed up for development of fever for 21 days; however, those in category 2 do not need prophylactic ribavirin. Contacts in category 1 need to be identified and made aware of possible signs and symptoms of VHF but no active follow up is needed. The active follow up should be organised locally by the CCDC at the local Health Protection Unit and co-ordinated by HPA Colindale.

Categorisation of contacts

Contact	Risk Category	Description
Casual	1	No direct contact with patient or with body fluids or specimens. Shared the same public space as a case.
Close	2	Direct contact with the patient but did not handle blood/bodily fluids or wore adequate protective clothing for the task.
Unprotected	3	Unprotected exposure of skin or mucous membranes to blood or bodily fluids or unprotected handling of specimens.

Immunisation

Currently, there are no vaccines available for the management of pre-exposure or post-exposure to VHF.

Last reviewed: 13 May 2011