The Edo State government on Friday, announced the new outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, urging the public to stay on alert, report any suspected case, and improve their hygiene practices to prevent or curb the presence of rodents, especially long-mouthed rats, which are the primary carriers of the disease.
Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, the State Commissioner for Health, announced the outbreak of the disease during a press conference and revealed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS), adding that Dr Ekaete Tobi from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) has been appointed as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager to oversee the response to the 2025 outbreak.
“Additionally, 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 of ISTH as Case Manager.” said the commissioner.
He also emphasized on the inherence challenge the disease outbreak poses to the state if not properly managed. Dr Cyril said that many cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests and considering its potency for rapid transmission, drastic measure needs to be taken.
He said “This declaration follows the confirmation of several cases of Lassa Fever in the state through laboratory testing. The outbreak poses a significant public health concern due to its potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.” He said.
According to him, “to contain this outbreak, the State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms. We are collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to implement the following measures.”
He outlined several key measures: first, strengthening disease surveillance systems to ensure timely identification and reporting of cases; second, increasing treatment capacity at designated facilities for managing confirmed cases; third, educating the public about preventive strategies, including proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage practices; fourth, providing healthcare workers with the necessary protective equipment and training on Lassa Fever management protocols; and finally, collaborating with national and international health organizations for technical support, resources, and supplies.
Going further, he asserted: “Lassa Fever is one of the viral haemorrhagic diseases endemic to Edo State, and its recurrence remains a 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 from the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths (CFR of 17.595). Our goal remains 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.”
