Edo has recorded 56 Lassa fever cases and eight deaths between Dec. 30, 2024 and January 2025, says the commissioner for health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole.

Mr Oshiomhole confirmed the incident on Friday in Benin while formally declaring the situation of Lassa fever in the state.

“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,” he said.

He said the outbreak posed significant public health risks due to its rapid transmission potentials and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.

Mr Oshiomhole revealed that 14 patients are currently receiving specialised care at the Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

He also noted that “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 him, the state has activated its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team, collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders to contain the outbreak.

As part of the response, measures include “enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment centers, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organisations.”

He urged residents to report anyone with symptoms like fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility for early detection.

The commissioner also tasked the response team to reduce the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and assured of government support to enhance Lassa fever management efforts.

He further said the molecular laboratory at UBTH had been optimised for Lassa fever testing, increasing the state’s capacity with two testing centers at UBTH and ISTH.

Dr Ekaete Tobi of ISTH has been appointed as the state Lassa fever incident manager to coordinate outbreak control activities.

(NAN)