Lassa Fever: Edo records 10 new cases, three more deaths

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Edo State has recorded 10 new cases of Lassa fever, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 107.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Obehi Akoria, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the state also confirmed three more deaths from the disease, raising the fatality figure to 13.

She said the 107 confirmed cases were recorded in 11 local government areas of the state, reiterating the need for residents to comply with all guidelines against the spread of the disease so as to remain healthy and protected from Lassa fever.

Ms Akoria noted that the state also has 40 persons who are currently on admission at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), noting that the patients, including 26 adults and 14 children are receiving medical care and responding to treatment.

According to the commissioner, “We have confirmed ten more cases of Lassa fever in Edo with three new deaths, raising the number of confirmed cases in the state to 107 and fatalities to 13.

“While the government is stepping up efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever across all Edo communities, including improving sensitization campaigns, as well as surveillance and response activities, we urge everyone to be aware and take responsibility to work with the Ministry of Health and other partners, observe preventive measures and report early symptoms suspected to be malaria or any other illnesses that present like malaria.”

Decrying the alarming rate of infections in various local government areas of the state, Ms Obehi noted that Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North East are the most affected LGAs with 40, 28, and 21 confirmed cases respectively.