Edo battles Lassa Fever outbreak, records confirmed cases

The Edo State Government has declared a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever and urged residents to promptly report suspected cases.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, made this announcement during a press conference in Benin City. He emphasized the importance of improving hygiene to reduce rodent infestations, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the primary carriers of the virus.

Dr. Oshiomhole disclosed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure for the outbreak. Dr. Ekaete Tobi of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital has been appointed as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 response, while Dr. Osahogie Edeawe has been named the Case Manager.

The Commissioner stressed that early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes and urged vigilance among residents.

According to him, several cases of Lassa Fever have been confirmed through laboratory testing, highlighting the outbreak’s potential for rapid spread and severe consequences if not managed effectively.

The state’s Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated emergency response mechanisms, including scaling up treatment capacities at designated centers, strengthening disease surveillance, and educating the public on preventive measures such as proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage.

Additionally, healthcare workers are being equipped with protective gear and trained in Lassa Fever management protocols, while partnerships with national and international health organizations are being pursued for technical support and resources.

Lassa Fever is endemic to Edo State, and its recurrence continues to be a concern. In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, with 292 confirmed cases and 41 deaths, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14.0%.

This marked an improvement from the 2023 outbreak, which saw 3,764 suspected cases, 372 confirmed cases, and 65 deaths, with a CFR of 17.6%.

Dr. Oshiomhole credited this progress to the efforts of state health officials, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and other stakeholders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing the CFR further in the 2025 outbreak and achieving zero fatalities.