Lassa Fever Outbreak In Edo: Death Toll Rises To 15

The Edo State Government has reported a total of 15 fatalities due to the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, which began in December 2024.

Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, the Director of Public Health at the Edo State Ministry of Health, made this announcement on Tuesday in Benin. He addressed public concerns on social media, emphasizing the government’s proactive measures to combat the epidemic.

Rising Cases of Lassa Fever in Edo State

According to Dr. Ojeifo, Edo State has documented over 1,000 suspected cases of Lassa fever. Among these, 103 have tested positive for the virus.

“So far, from the 103 confirmed cases, 15 people have lost their lives, while several others have successfully recovered following treatment,” he stated.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has intensified disease surveillance and strengthened contact tracing to curb the spread. The government has also ensured the availability of essential medical supplies to manage the outbreak effectively.

Late Referrals Contribute to High Mortality Rate

Dr. Ojeifo highlighted that delayed referrals were a major factor in the high number of deaths, as many patients only sought treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) when their condition had worsened.

“The challenge is that most patients arrive at ISTH when their health has significantly deteriorated. We are urging residents to seek medical help if they experience persistent fever that does not subside. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to survival,” he advised.

He also called on healthcare workers to promptly refer suspected cases to authorized treatment centers, warning that hospitals treating Lassa fever patients without official clearance would face penalties.

Mpox Cases Also Reported in Edo

Beyond Lassa fever, the state has also recorded 11 suspected cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), with five confirmed infections. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, as all affected individuals received timely medical care.

Preventive Measures and Public Awareness

Residents are encouraged to adopt preventive measures, such as maintaining proper hygiene, storing food safely to prevent contamination, and avoiding contact with rodents, which are the primary carriers of the Lassa fever virus.

For further details on Lassa fever symptoms and prevention, visit the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) official website: NCDC Lassa Fever