Lassa Fever Claims Eight Lives in Edo in Three Weeks

• Edo State reports eight deaths and 56 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 336 suspected cases recorded since late December 2024
• Health Commissioner emphasizes public vigilance, early reporting of symptoms, and enhanced response measures to combat the outbreak effectively

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, has confirmed eight deaths and 56 positive cases of Lassa fever in the state between December 30, 2024, and January 24, 2025.

Speaking on Friday in Benin while officially declaring the 2025 Lassa Fever outbreak, Dr. Oshiomhole stated that 336 suspected cases were recorded during this period, of which 56 tested positive.

Currently, 14 patients are receiving specialized treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

Dr. Oshiomhole highlighted the state’s previous records, noting that in 2024, Edo recorded 3,270 suspected cases, 292 confirmed cases, and 41 deaths.

This marked an improvement compared to 2023, which saw 3,764 suspected cases, 372 confirmed cases, and 65 deaths.

The commissioner emphasized that the current outbreak poses a significant public health threat due to the potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes.

To address the crisis, the state’s Public Health Emergency Response Management Team has activated emergency response mechanisms.

Key measures being implemented include:

• Enhanced disease surveillance.
• Strengthening treatment centers.
• Public awareness campaigns on infection prevention and control (IPC).
• Collaboration with community leaders, healthcare facilities, and stakeholders.

Dr. Oshiomhole urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report individuals showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility. Early detection and treatment, he stressed, are crucial for saving lives.

He also announced that the state’s molecular laboratory at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has been optimized for Lassa fever testing, increasing the number of testing centers in the state to two. This development strengthens Edo’s testing and response capabilities.

As part of the response efforts, Dr. Oshiomhole appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager.

He commended all stakeholders for their dedication and reassured them of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to reduce the Case Fatality Rate (CFR).

The commissioner called on the response team to intensify their efforts, emphasizing the state’s commitment to combating the outbreak and safeguarding public health.