The Edo State government announced a new Lassa Fever outbreak on Friday and urged citizens to be more vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and improve their hygiene in order to lessen the presence of certain rodents, especially long-mouthed rats, which are the main carriers.
During a press conference announcing the outbreak, State Commissioner for Health Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole revealed that the government had activated the Incident Management Structure (IMS) and designated Dr. Ekaete Tobi of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response.
“Additionally, all pillar leads and teams, including Surveillance, Laboratory, Logistics, Vector Control, Infection Prevention and Control, Risk Communication, and Case Management, are hereby activated. I appointed Dr. Osahogie Edeawe of ISTH as Case Manager.”
He encouraged people to be watchful and stated that early detection and treatment greatly enhance outcomes.
He said “This declaration follows the confirmation of several cases of Lassa Fever in the state through laboratory testing. The outbreak poses a significant public health concern due to its potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes if not effectively managed.
To contain this outbreak, the State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms. We are collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to implement the following measures.
He cited the measures as “strengthening disease surveillance systems to promptly identify and report cases; scaling up treatment capacity at designated centers for the management of confirmed cases; educating the public on preventive measures, such as proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage practices; equipping healthcare workers with adequate protective gear and training on Lassa Fever management protocols and partnering with national and international health organizations for technical support, resources, and supplies.
In additon, “Lassa Fever is one of the viral haemorrhagic diseases endemics to Edo State, and its recurrence remains a concern. In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, of which 292 were confirmed positive with 41 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14.0%.
“This progress in 2024 was made possible through the dedication of state officials, the one health team, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and other stakeholders.”
“This marked an improvement from the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths (CFR of 17.595). Our goal remains achieving a single-digit or zero CFR.