Edo State has reported 30 confirmed cases of Lassa , the state’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, has revealed.
The deaths were largely attributed to patients seeking medical care late, he said.
Speaking to journalists in Benin over the weekend, Dr. Ojeifo provided a breakdown of the cases across local government areas. Etsako West has been most affected with 20 cases, followed by Esan West with four, Akoko-Edo and Egor with two each, and one case each in Ovia North-East and Owan West. Mortality has mirrored the spread, with two deaths in Etsako West, two in Akoko-Edo, and one each in Esan West and Egor.
According to Dr. Ojeifo, Lassa fever is not new to Edo State, which regularly experiences outbreaks.
“We prepared ahead of the peak by donating essential supplies to treatment centres, ensuring prompt response and care for patients,” he said.
He highlighted the state’s key treatment facilities, including the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (IRSTH), a national reference centre for Lassa fever, as well as testing centres at IRSTH and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Dr. Ojeifo stressed the importance of early medical intervention, urging residents not to self-medicate when experiencing persistent fever. “Early presentation is critical to successful treatment,” he said.
The health authorities continue to monitor the situation, aiming to curb the spread and ensure timely care for affected individuals.
