By: Bayero Ade
The Edo State government has reported 56 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and eight deaths between December 30, 2024, and January 2025, as announced by Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the state’s Commissioner for Health.
According to Afripost, Dr. Oshiomhole disclosed the outbreak during a press briefing in Benin on Friday, warning of the public health risks posed by the disease’s rapid spread. He stated that the 2025 epidemic year started on December 30, 2024, with 336 suspected cases, of which 56 were confirmed, and eight resulted in fatalities.
Currently, 14 patients are receiving treatment at the Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH). Dr. Oshiomhole also noted a decline in the number of cases compared to previous years, with 292 confirmed cases and 41 deaths reported in 2024, compared to 372 cases and 65 deaths in 2023.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team in collaboration with healthcare providers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders. The response includes enhanced surveillance, expanded treatment facilities, infection control measures, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with health organizations.
Residents have been advised to report symptoms such as fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest healthcare facility for timely diagnosis and treatment. The state has also increased its testing capacity by optimizing the molecular laboratory at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), adding two testing centers at UBTH and ISTH.
Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH has been appointed the state’s Lassa fever incident manager to oversee the outbreak’s management. The commissioner reassured the public of the government’s commitment to reducing the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and improving response strategies to manage the situation effectively.
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