Edo Declares Lassa Fever Outbreak as Six Die, 28 Cases Confirmed

 

The Edo State Government has officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak following the confirmation of 28 laboratory-positive cases and six deaths linked to the viral hemorrhagic disease.

Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, announced the development during a press briefing in Benin City on Friday. He highlighted a noticeable surge in infections, particularly in Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, indicating sustained community transmission that demands urgent and coordinated action.

“As of today, Edo State has recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa Fever with six reported deaths,” Dr. Oshiomhole stated. “The recent increase in cases signals sustained community transmission that requires immediate, escalated response.”

Lassa fever, a viral illness endemic in parts of West Africa including Nigeria, is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or droppings of infected multimammate rats, or through person-to-person spread via bodily fluids. Symptoms often include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and death if not treated early.

The commissioner emphasized that the state has activated emergency public health measures, including intensified surveillance, contact tracing, risk communication, and community sensitization. Residents are urged to maintain strict hygiene practices—such as proper food storage to prevent rodent contamination, avoiding contact with rats, and seeking immediate medical attention for persistent fever or related symptoms.

Edo State, home to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (a major referral center for Lassa fever management in Nigeria), has long been a high-burden area for the disease. Health authorities stress that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, with ribavirin as a key antiviral option when administered promptly.

This latest development comes amid rising Lassa fever activity across Nigeria, with other states like Ondo, Bauchi, and Taraba also reporting cases in the ongoing season, which typically peaks during the dry months.

The Edo State Ministry of Health has called on the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with health workers to curb further spread. No travel restrictions or other major disruptions have been announced, but preventive measures are being prioritized at community and healthcare levels.