The Edo State Government has announced a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever and urges residents to promptly report any suspected cases to healthcare authorities. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed this development during a press conference in Benin City. The state government has also activated the Incident Management Structure to tackle the outbreak and has appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 response. The official emphasises the importance of improved hygiene to curb the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the government has taken steps to contain the outbreak by deploying response teams across key pillars, including Surveillance, Laboratory, Logistics, Vector Control, Infection Prevention and Control, Risk Communication, and Case Management. Dr. Osahogie Edeawe has been appointed as the Case Manager to oversee treatment efforts. Public awareness is being prioritised, as early detection and timely medical intervention can improve survival rates. Laboratory testing has confirmed several cases of Lassa fever in the state, raising concerns about the disease’s potential for rapid transmission.
State response measures and public health concerns.
Health authorities have outlined several strategic measures to mitigate the spread of the disease. These include strengthening disease surveillance systems to ensure prompt identification and reporting of cases, scaling up treatment capacity at designated healthcare centres, and intensifying public Education on preventive actions. Essential strategies such as rodent control, proper hygiene practices, and safe food storage are being reinforced. Furthermore, healthcare workers are being equipped with protective gear and trained on Lassa fever management protocols, while collaborations with national and international health organisations continue to provide technical support and resources.
However, Lassa fever remains a recurring challenge in the region, with improvements observed over the years. In 2024, the region recorded 3,270 suspected cases, of which 292 were confirmed positive, resulting in 41 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 14.0 percent. This marked progress compared to the 2023 outbreak, which saw 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases, leading to 65 deaths and a higher case fatality rate of 17.5 percent. The state aims to reduce the fatality rate to single digits further or achieve zero mortality through sustained efforts and interventions.
Efforts to contain the ongoing outbreak across the region.
As of January 24, 2025, Edo State has recorded 336 suspected cases since the Epidemic began on December 30, 2024. Of these, 56 cases have been confirmed positive, with eight deaths recorded. Currently, 14 patients are receiving expert care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. In response, the Edo State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated emergency mechanisms and is working closely with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and stakeholders to implement effective measures. The focus remains on enhancing surveillance, expanding treatment facilities, and conducting widespread public awareness campaigns to encourage early detection and treatment.
In 1969, Lassa fever was first identified in Nigeria, and it is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine and faeces of infected rats. It can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. About 80 percent of infected individuals experience mild symptoms, which include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and headaches. However, around 20 percent of cases progress to severe symptoms, such as chest and abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding from mucous membranes, seizures, and confusion.
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Currently, there is no approved antiviral drug or licensed vaccine for this infection, although several candidate Vaccines are under development. The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat the disease; however, its effectiveness and optimal dosage remain uncertain. Early intensive supportive care, including fluid management and symptom-specific treatment, can improve survival chances. Health authorities are advocating for the enrollment of patients in clinical trials to evaluate new therapeutic options. Efforts are ongoing to develop and evaluate more effective treatment methods. Lastly, public health officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.