Edo govt raises fresh alarm on outbreak of Lassa Fever

The Edo State government on Friday raised the alarm over a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.

The government also called on residents to take conscious efforts to guard against the killer disease through increased vigilance and to promptly report any suspected cases.

In addition, the state government advised residents to improve their hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the primary carriers of the disease.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, made this announcement during a press conference on the issue.

He disclosed that the government had activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS) and appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.

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Oshiomhole added, “All pillar leads and teams, including Surveillance, Laboratory, Logistics, Vector Control, Infection Prevention and Control, Risk Communication, and Case Management, are hereby activated. I appointed Dr. Osahogie Edeawe of ISTH as Case Manager.”

He emphasized that early detection and treatment would significantly improve outcomes and urged residents to remain vigilant.

“This declaration follows the confirmation of several cases of Lassa Fever in the state through laboratory testing.

The outbreak poses a significant public health concern due to its potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.

“To contain this outbreak, the State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms.

We are collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to implement the following measures,” the commissioner stated.

According to him, the measures include strengthening disease surveillance systems to promptly identify and report cases; scaling up treatment capacity at designated centers for confirmed cases; educating the public on preventive measures such as proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage practices; equipping healthcare workers with adequate protective gear and training on Lassa Fever management protocols; and partnering with national and international health organizations for technical support, resources, and supplies.

“Lassa Fever is one of the viral haemorrhagic diseases endemic to Edo State, and its recurrence remains a concern. In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, of which 292 were confirmed positive, with 41 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14.0%.

“This marked an improvement from the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths (CFR of 17.59%). Our goal remains achieving a single-digit or zero CFR.

“This progress in 2024 was made possible through the dedication of state officials, the One Health team, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and other stakeholders,” he reiterated.

 

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE