Lassa fever confirmed cases now 26 in Edo, says Commissioner

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, on Wednesday said the state had recorded three more confirmed cases of Lassa fever, raising the total number of cases on admission to 26.

Akoria, who decried the rising cases of Lassa fever in the state, charged residents to observe preventive measures against the spread of the disease.

The commissioner noted that the confirmed persons, comprising 10 adult males and nine females, as well as seven children are currently receiving medical care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

She said, “Edo State has continued to record a steady increase in the number of cases of Lassa fever, with a total of 26 persons currently on admission at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. The 26 confirmed cases on admission are all stable and responding to treatment.”

Restating the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of Edo citizens, the commissioner said, “Lassa fever is preventable. Edo State no longer has the highest burden of Lassa fever in the country. This is proof that our interventions are working and that Lassa fever can be prevented.”

Prof Akoria encouraged residents to avoid bush burning, indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain high standards of communal hygiene.

She further implored healthcare providers to desist from managing illnesses beyond their scope and to promptly refer such cases as early treatment was key to survival and containing spread.