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The Edo State Government on Friday said there is a new outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state and called on the people to report any suspected case.
The state Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, stated this at a press conference in Benin, the state capital.
He also urged improvement in hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the major carriers.
While announcing the outbreak, Oshiomhole disclosed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure and appointed Ekaete Tobi of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.
He said, “There is a new outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state and the government is calling on the people to report any suspected case.
“There should also be an improvement of hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the major carriers.
“Additionally, 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 as Case Manager.”
He said early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes and urged people to be vigilant.
He added, “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.”
He said measures have been activated to contain the spread of the disease, noting that educating the public is key in combating the disease.
He listed some measures to combat the disease as “strengthening disease surveillance systems to promptly identify and report cases; scaling up treatment capacity at designated centers for the management of 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.”
He added, “Lassa Fever is one of the viral hemorrhagic 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 17.595). Our goal remains to achieve 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, partners, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other stakeholders.”
