Following a test carried out on 175 suspected Lassa fever cases in the state, no fewer than 76 people have been tested positive for Lassa fever.
This was disclosed on Friday, January 24 by the Edo State Commissioner of health, Dr Patrick Okundia during a Lassa fever committee meeting headed by the State’s Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu and a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Okundia said;
“A total of 76 suspected cases of Lassa fever were confirmed yesterday in the state and they are currently on admission in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. We have not recorded any new death but have also reduced our case fatality rate to less than 10 per cent. The number of cases in the ward now is 34, and we have discharge over 28 patients that have been fully treated and cured.”
Reacting to the development, Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu urged hospitals in all parts of the state to refer suspected cases to Irrua Specialist hospital and isolation centres.
He said;
“Ministries of environment, agriculture, education, information and other relevant ministries should also step up in the area of public awareness of the people. The 18 local government councils of the state should call for emergency meeting which will include private health practitioners for the purpose of early referral.”