Edo State has reported 18 new cases of Lassa fever in the last week, increasing the total number of individuals who are now on admission to 23.

Prof. Akoria Obehi, the health commissioner, made this information public while briefing journalists in Benin City. She stated that the individuals, including 17 adults and six children, are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), located in the Esan Central local government area.

Prof. Obehi said the government has taken more surveillance, education, and other steps to stop the spread of the disease and protect people in all Edo communities. She said this was to show that the government cared about the health and well-being of every Edo resident.

The health commissioner for the state of Edo expressed concern over the dramatic increase in new cases of Lassa fever and appealed for the help of every citizen in the state in eradicating the disease.

According to her, “Edo State, over the previous week, has reported 18 new instances of Lassa fever, bringing the cases of Lassa fever patients now on admission in the state to 23.

“The 23 patients, including 17 adults and six children are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.”

Obehi named the local government areas in the state most impacted by the disease to include Esan West, Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan Central, Etsako Central, Esan South East and Etsako East.

Speaking on the government’s attempts to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Edo inhabitants, she noted: “The Emergency Operation Centre for Lassa fever has been activated in Edo State on the 5th of January, and they have had three meetings. The various pillars of the Emergency Operation Centre have been activated.

“The Infection, Prevention, and Control pillars are currently working on contacting the Diseases Notification and Surveillance Officers in the various local government areas to beef up infection control. We have stepped up communication with messages being developed and disseminated to sensitize people in their local languages.

“We will also be meeting with local council stakeholders today in Edo Central. We will be meeting with the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) of the seven affected LGAs, as well as the market women, Enogies, and the healthcare practitioners in the LGAs, among other stakeholders.”

Lamenting the spike in the number of infections, the commissioner stated, “This is an emergency, and we want people to be aware that cases of Lassa fever are on the rise.

“While the government is implementing a number of measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state, we urge everyone to support the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of Lassa fever by complying with guidelines to stay healthy and safe.”

She advised, “Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; avoid contact with rat urine or feces; avoid consuming contaminated food or water and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness.”

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