Lassa Fever: Panic as Edo records 30 cases, six deaths

The Edo State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, with 30 positive cases and six fatalities recorded across various local government areas.

The Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, made this disclosure while briefing journalists in Benin City over the weekend.

According to Dr. Ojeifo, the six lives were lost primarily due to the late presentation of patients at designated treatment centers. He noted that while the disease is a recurring challenge in the state, prompt medical attention remains the only way to avert death.

A breakdown of the cases shows that the disease is most prevalent in Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas.

• Etsako West: 20 cases (2 deaths)
• Esan West: 4 cases (1 death)
• Akoko-Edo: 2 cases (2 deaths)
• Egor: 2 cases (1 death)
• Ovia North-East: 1 case
• Owan West: 1 case

Dr. Ojeifo assured the public that the state government had made preparations ahead of the current peak period. He revealed that essential items and medical supplies were donated to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), which remains a premier center for Lassa fever treatment in Nigeria.

The Director further highlighted that the state has two functional testing centers located at ISTH and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to ensure rapid diagnosis.

The Ministry of Health has cautioned residents against treating persistent fevers at home or in pharmacies without proper diagnosis.

“The disease is not new to our people, but early presentation is key to survival. We call on residents not to self-medicate when they have persistent fever but rush to the hospital for medical attention,” Dr. Ojeifo advised.

Lassa Fever is typically transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces. Residents are urged to maintain high standards of environmental hygiene and ensure all food items are properly covered.