Edo reports 56 Lassa fever cases, eight deaths in four weeks

The Edo government says the state has recorded 56 Lassa fever cases and eight deaths between December 30, 2024 and January 2025,

Speaking during a briefing on Friday in Benin, the state capital, Cyril Oshiomhole, the state commissioner for health, said the outbreak posed significant public health risks due to its rapid transmission potential and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.

“The 2025 epidemic year began on 30 December 2024. Since then, 336 suspected cases have been reported, with 56 confirmed and 8 resulting in death,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, 292 confirmed cases, and 41 deaths, showing a decline from 2023 which recorded 65 deaths from 372 confirmed cases.”

Oshiomhole said 14 patients are currently receiving specialised care at the Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

He added that the state has activated its public health emergencies response management team, collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders to contain the outbreak.

The response includes measures such as “enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment centres, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organisations”.

He urged residents to report anyone with symptoms like fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility for early detection.

The commissioner also tasked the response team with reducing the case fatality rate and assured of government support for enhancing Lassa fever management efforts.