Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Edo State government has confirmed 56 cases of Lassa fever and eight fatalities between December 30, 2024, and January 2025, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.
“The 2025 epidemic year began on Dec. 30, 2024. Since then, 336 suspected cases have been reported, with 56 confirmed and eight resulting in death,” Oshiomhole said, highlighting the outbreak’s significant public health risks due to its rapid transmission potentials and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.
Oshiomhole revealed that 14 patients are currently receiving specialized care at the Lassa Fever Treatment Center in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH). He noted that in 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, 292 confirmed cases, and 41 deaths, showing a decline from 2023.
The state has activated its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team to contain the outbreak, with measures including “enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment centers, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organisations”.
The commissioner urged residents to report anyone with symptoms like fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility for early detection. He tasked the response team to reduce the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and assured of government support to enhance Lassa fever management efforts.
Oshiomhole also announced that the molecular laboratory at UBTH had been optimized for Lassa fever testing, increasing the state’s capacity with two testing centers at UBTH and ISTH.
