The Edo State Government has officially confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever following six reported deaths, raising public health concerns and prompting urgent calls for coordinated containment measures across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed that 28 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded statewide. According to him, recent spikes in infections have been observed in Etsako West and Esan West, indicating sustained community transmission.
Following a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment, we formally declare a Lassa fever outbreak in Edo State, Oshiomhole stated. Immediate, coordinated, and escalated interventions are required to protect public health.
In response, authorities have deployed treatment supplies to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and activated all operational units of the Edo State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. The intervention will be overseen by the Director of Public Health, with daily situation reports submitted to the commissioner’s office.
Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive guidelines as the government intensifies surveillance, treatment, and containment efforts aimed at halting further spread and preventing additional fatalities.
