Edo State Declares New Lassa Fever Outbreak, Urges Vigilance
BENIN CITY – The Edo State government has declared a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever and called on residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected cases, and prioritize hygiene to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly the long-mouthed rats that carry the virus.
At a press conference on Friday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, announced the activation of the Incident Management Structure (IMS) for the 2025 outbreak response. He appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager and Dr. Osahogie Edeawe as Case Manager.
Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, stating:
“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 address the outbreak, the government has initiated a multi-faceted response, including:
– Strengthening disease surveillance systems for timely case identification and reporting.
– Expanding treatment capacity at designated centers for managing confirmed cases.
– Educating the public on preventive measures, including hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage.
– Providing healthcare workers with protective gear and training on Lassa Fever management.
– Partnering with national and international health organizations for technical support and supplies.
Dr. Oshiomhole highlighted the recurring nature of Lassa Fever in Edo State, stating:
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“Lassa Fever is one of the viral haemorrhagic 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 achieving a single-digit or zero CFR.”
He credited the progress made in 2024 to collaborative efforts among state officials, the One Health Team, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), ISTH, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and other stakeholders.
The government urged residents to maintain vigilance and follow preventive guidelines to curb the spread of the disease.
