Korede Abdullah 
BENIN CITY, Nigeria -The Edo State Government declares a Lassa fever outbreak after six people die and 28 cases are confirmed, signalling sustained community transmission in parts of the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, announces the development on Friday in Benin City, saying authorities activate all pillars of the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in line with national and international health protocols.
“Following a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment, I hereby formally declare a Lassa fever outbreak in Edo State,” Oshiomhole says.
“As of today, we have recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases with six reported deaths.”
Health officials identify Etsako West and Esan West local government areas as epicenters of the outbreak, warning that the pattern of infections suggests ongoing community transmission requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
“The recent increase in cases from these areas signals sustained transmission that demands immediate escalation of our response,” he adds.
He assures residents that containment efforts will be fully coordinated under the Director of Public Health, with daily situation reports submitted to the Ministry of Health.
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Koko Maxwella 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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