According to Dr. Oshiomhole, there has been a notable increase in infections in Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas. “We have recorded 29 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with six deaths, with a notable increase in Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas,” he said.
A case manager has been appointed to oversee the clinical management of patients, and all components of the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) have been fully activated to coordinate the response.
The state has also taken proactive measures to address the recurring outbreak, including donating Lassa fever response packs to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), a key center for treatment and containment.
Dr. Oshiomhole urged residents to adopt preventive measures, emphasizing proper food storage, keeping homes and surroundings clean, avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, and promptly reporting symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, bleeding, and weakness to the nearest health facility.
“Lassa fever is preventable, and early presentation saves lives,” he stressed, adding that the outbreak declaration follows a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment conducted by the Edo State Ministry of Health.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are coordinating efforts to contain the spread while raising public awareness on prevention strategies.
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