The Edo State Government has declared a Lassa fever outbreak following the confirmation of 28 cases and six deaths across two local government areas.
Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, in a report made available by ENigeria Newspaper, announced the development on Friday in Benin City after an epidemiological review and risk assessment by the State Ministry of Health.
He said the surge in infections, particularly in Etsako West and Esan West local government areas, indicates sustained community transmission.
According to him, the situation necessitated the immediate activation of all pillars of the State Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) to coordinate response efforts and curb further spread.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that Oshiomhole stated that the government had anticipated periodic outbreaks of the disease and had taken proactive steps, including the donation of Lassa fever response materials to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).
He assured residents that intensified surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation campaigns were underway to contain the outbreak and prevent additional fatalities.
