The Edo State Government on Friday raised the alarm over a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
The government also asked residents to make conscious efforts to protect themselves against the deadly disease through increased vigilance and to promptly report any suspected cases.
In addition, the state government recommended residents improve their hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the main carriers of the disease.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, made this announcement during a press conference on the issue.
He revealed that the government had activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS) and appointed Dr Ekaete Tobi of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.
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Oshiomhole added: “All pillar leaders 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 of ISTH as case manager.”
He stressed that early detection and treatment would significantly improve outcomes and urged residents to remain vigilant.
“This statement comes after the confirmation of several cases of Lassa fever in the state through laboratory tests.
The outbreak poses a significant public health concern due to its potential for rapid transmission and serious outcomes if not managed effectively.
“To contain this outbreak, the State Public Health Emergency Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms.
“We are collaborating with health centers, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to implement the following measures,” the commissioner said.
According to him, the measures include strengthening disease surveillance systems to identify and timely report cases; expand treatment capacity in designated centers for confirmed cases; educate the public on preventive measures such as proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage practices; equip healthcare workers with appropriate protective equipment and training on Lassa fever management protocols; and partner with national and international health organizations for technical support, resources and supplies.
“Lassa fever is one of the endemic viral haemorrhagic diseases in Edo State and its recurrence remains a cause for 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 over the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths (CFR of 17.59%). Our goal remains to achieve a CFR in the single digits or zero.
“This progress in 2024 was made possible by the dedication of state officials, the One Health team, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), its partners, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the University of Benin (UBTH), and other interested parties,” he reiterated.
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