Edo State has been experiencing a steady increase in the number of confirmed cases and fatalities related to Lassa fever. In response, the government is urging residents to cooperate and support efforts to halt the spread of the disease. During a press briefing in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, reported that the state has recorded eight new cases of Lassa fever in the past 24 hours, along with one additional death. These new cases were identified in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan West, and Egor.
Prof. Obehi emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating, “Edo State has recorded eight new cases of Lassa fever, raising the total number of cases in the state to 96. We also confirmed a new death from the disease, increasing the fatality figure to nine.” She detailed that four deaths have occurred in Etsako West, two in Esan North East, and one each in Etsako East, Oredo, and Esan West LGAs. Highlighting the community spread of the disease, she noted that Etsako West LGA is the most affected area, with 37 confirmed cases and four deaths, followed by Esan West LGA with 24 cases and Esan North East LGA with 19 confirmed cases.
Reassuring the public of the government’s commitment to managing the outbreak, the Commissioner stated that 42 individuals are currently hospitalized at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. She mentioned that these patients, comprising 30 adults and 12 children, are receiving medical care and responding to treatment. Prof. Obehi reiterated the importance of community involvement in curbing the spread of Lassa fever, urging everyone to adhere to health guidelines. She advised residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, avoid contact with rat urine or feces, refrain from consuming contaminated food or water, and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, or weakness.
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