Edo report eight Lassa Fever deaths, 56 cases

Edo State has reported 56 cases of Lassa Fever and eight fatalities from December 30, 2024, to January 2025, according to Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the Commissioner for Health.

Oshiomhole made this announcement on Friday in Benin while officially addressing the Lassa Fever situation in the state.

“The 2025 epidemic year commenced on December 30, 2024. Since that date, there have been 336 suspected cases, with 56 confirmed and eight resulting in death,” he stated.

He emphasized that the outbreak presents significant public health risks due to its rapid transmission and severe consequences if not properly managed.

Currently, 14 patients are receiving specialized treatment at the Lassa Fever Treatment Center located in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

He also mentioned that in 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, 292 confirmed cases, and 41 deaths, indicating a decrease from 2023, which had 65 deaths from 372 confirmed cases.

According to him, the state has activated its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team, working in collaboration with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders to control the outbreak.

The response measures include “enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment centers, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organizations.”

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

The commissioner also instructed the response team to work on reducing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and assured that the government would support efforts to improve Lassa Fever management.

Additionally, he stated that the molecular laboratory at UBTH has been optimized for Lassa Fever testing, thereby increasing the state’s testing capacity with two centers at UBTH and ISTH.

It could be  report that Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH has been appointed as the state Lassa Fever Incident Manager to oversee outbreak control activities.