LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-Following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Edo State, many deaths and multiple cases have been recorded within a short period.
On Friday in Benin, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed the outbreak while announcing that between December 30, 2024 and January 2025, 336 cases are speculated but a total number of 8 deaths resulting from 56 confirmed Lassa Fever cases have been recorded in the state.
He said: “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.”
Although there are no confirmed global reports of the fever being airborne, it can however be transmitted to people via contaminated food or household items infected with rodent urine or faeces, or exposure to the virus in the blood, tissue, secretions, or excretions of a Lassa-infected individual.
Due to this, Oshiomhole, advised that to reduce the risks of residents spreading it even further, the outbreak must be properly managed.
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According to his reports, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), housed the Lassa Fever Treatment Center, where 14 infected patients are under specialized medical care.
His statistics for the 2024 Lassa Fever report read, “In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, 292 confirmed cases, and 41 deaths, showing a decline from 2023 which recorded 65 deaths from 372 confirmed cases.”
Appealing to the public, he charged them to be vigilant and report to the nearest health facility any suspected case that includes symptoms such as fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, or bleeding, to enable early detection and ensure proper treatment.
Furthermore, he maintained that the state did not relent in playing its part in curbing the outbreak, as its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team, has been activated to work in hand with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders.
This development would “enhance surveillance, expand treatment centers, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organisations.”
Oshiomhole, reiterated to the team the state’s commitment to support every effort and initiative towards effectively managing the outbreak, urged them to work towards reducing to the lowest, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR).
He concluded by announcing the state’s two testing centers set up to handle more cases at UBTH and ISTH, adding that the center at UBTH had been optimised for Lassa fever testing.
