Lassa fever kills six in Edo

By Ozioruva Aliu

Six people have died from Lassa Fever in Edo State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed late Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Benin City, Oshiomhole revealed that the state has recorded 28 confirmed cases of the disease. He noted that the recent spike in cases from Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas signaled sustained community transmission requiring urgent intervention.

“Following a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment by the Edo State Ministry of Health, I hereby formally declare a Lassa Fever outbreak in Edo State,” Oshiomhole announced.

“As of today, Edo State has recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa Fever with six reported deaths. The recent increase in cases, particularly from Etsako West and Esan West, signals sustained community transmission that requires immediate, coordinated, and escalated response.”

He explained that the state government had anticipated the periodic nature of Lassa Fever outbreaks and had proactively donated Lassa packs to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to aid treatment and containment efforts.

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