The Edo State government announced on Friday that there is a new outbreak of Lassa Fever and urged residents to be more vigilant in reporting any suspected cases and improving hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of some rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the primary carriers.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the State Commissioner for Health, stated this during a press conference announcing the outbreak. He also revealed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS) and appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.
“In addition, all pillar leads and teams, including surveillance, laboratory, logistics, vector control, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and case management, are hereby activated. I appointed Dr. Osahogie Edeawe from ISTH as Case Manager.” He stated that early detection and treatment considerably enhance outcomes and recommended people to remain vigilant.
“This statement follows the confirmation of multiple instances of Lassa Fever in the state by laboratory testing. The epidemic is a major public health issue since it has the potential for fast spread and serious consequences if not treated appropriately.”
He stated that “to contain this outbreak, the State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms.” We are working with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and others to execute the following actions.”
He listed the measures as “strengthening disease surveillance systems to promptly identify and report cases; scaling up treatment capacity at designated centres for the management of confirmed cases; educating the public on preventive measures, such as proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage practices; equipping healthcare workers with adequate protective gear and training on Lassa Fever management protocols; and collaborating with national and international he Going on, he stated that “Lassa Fever is one of the viral haemorrhagic diseases endemic to Edo State, and its recurrence remains a concern.”
In 2024, the state reported 3,270 suspected cases, 292 of which were confirmed positive, with 41 deaths, for a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14.0%.
“This was an improvement over the 2023 outbreak, when 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths (CFR of 17.595). Our goal continues to achieve a single-digit or zero CFR.
“This progress in 2024 was made possible through the dedication of state officials, the one health team, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and other stakeholders.”
