Background Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic and zoonotic disease has high case-fatality among hospitalised patients. We investigated an outbreak of Lassa fever in Weija-Gbawe Municipality to determine its magnitude, trace case-contacts, identify the source, and suggest preventive and control measures.

Methods A descriptive study involving reviews and observations was conducted within Weija-Gbawe municipality, from 1st March to 25th March 2023. Hospital and community case searches were done. Suspected case was any person with illness of gradual onset with unexplained acute fever (temp >37.5oC) with one or more of following: malaise, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia, oedema, sudden convulsion, bleeding, spontaneous abortion following fever, chest pain, hearing loss, history of contact with excreta of rodents or epidemiological linked to a case of Lassa Fever from 13th February 2023 within the Greater Accra Region. Attack and case-fatality rates were calculated. Case-contacts were identified, line-listed, blood samples taken to confirm Lassa fever, and monitored 21 days from day of last contact with a confirmed case. A nearby market where most of the inhabitants purchase food stuffs was inspected for waste disposal and food storage. Traps were set for rodents in the market and their body fluids, excreta sent for laboratory investigation.

Results Of 62 cases and contacts listed, the overall attack and case-fatality rates were 11.3% (7/62) and 14.3% (1/7) respectively. Mean age of cases was 33.5 years (± 7.1). Majority, 71.4% (5/7) were female. Waste and food stuff were poorly kept and accessible to rodents in the market. Laboratory investigation on rodents was negative for Lassa fever.

Conclusion The outbreak was contained with low mortality. Health workers and community were sensitized on Lassa fever, its mode of transmission and preventive measures. The municipal health director should disinfect homes of confirmed cases and the health facility.