February 17, 2025
The Edo state government said it has recorded about 13 deaths from the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state
Director of Public Health at the State’s Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, who gave the update in Benin city, disclosed that three cases of Mpox otherwise known as Monkeypox were also recorded.
Ojeifo explained that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on December 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases and 13 deaths, while Seven patients are currently receiving treatment and some others have been discharged.
He mentioned Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North-East Local Government Areas of the state as the areas that have been identified as the epicenters of the outbreak.
READ MORE; Ondo, Edo suffer increased cases of Lassa fever— NCDC
He, blamed the high mortality rate to late presentation at health facilities for treatment.
Ojeifo said the state government was working with private hospitals to ensure timely referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the designated centre for Lassa Fever treatment.
He confirmed that health officials from the state and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, had conducted contact tracing in affected communities.
“Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to malaria, until it reaches an advanced stage.
“We are sensitising communities to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours,” Ojeifo said.
The director advised residents against indulging in self-medication but to seek immediate treatment at the nearest hospital if they experienced any malaria like symptoms.
