Edo State has recorded 56 Lassa fever cases and confirmed eight deaths between December 30, 2024 and January 2025.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed this on Friday in Benin in an update on the situation in the state.
Oshiomhole said: “The 2025 epidemic year began on December 30, 2024.
“Since then, 336 suspected cases have been reported, with 56 confirmed and eight resulting in death.”
He said the outbreak posed significant public health risks due to its rapid transmission potentials and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.
He revealed that 14 patients are currently receiving specialised care at the Lassa Fever Treatment Center at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
He said: “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.”
According to Oshiomhole, the state has activated its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team, collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders to contain the outbreak.
Measures taken include enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment centres, Infection Prevention and Control, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organisations.
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The Commissioner urged residents to report anyone with symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility for early detection.
He also tasked the response team to reduce the Case Fatality Rate and assured of the government’s support to enhance Lassa fever management efforts.
Oshiomhole further said the molecular laboratory at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital had been optimised for Lassa fever testing, increasing the state’s capacity with two testing centres at UBTH and ISTH.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH has been appointed as the state Lassa Fever Incident Manager to coordinate the outbreak control activities.
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