Thirteen fatalities from the Lassa fever epidemic in the state have been confirmed by the Edo government.
In an interview with reporters on Sunday in Benin, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, the state Ministry of Health’s Director of Public Health, provided the update.
He claims that although there were no fatalities, three cases of Mpox, also referred to as monkeypox, were reported.
According to Ojeifo, the state has registered 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases since the Lassa fever epidemic was announced on December 30, 2024.
“So far, we have 83 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 13 deaths. Seven patients are currently receiving treatment, while others have been discharged,” he said.
He claimed that the state’s Etsako West, Esan West, and Esan North-East Local Government Areas—which were determined to be the outbreak’s epicenters—were where the deaths were reported. However, he blamed the high death rate on patients arriving at medical facilities late.
According to Ojeifo, the state government is collaborating with private institutions to guarantee prompt referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, which is the approved treatment facility for Lassa Fever.
According to him, contact tracing has also been done in impacted communities by state and Nigeria Center for Disease Control health officials.
“Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to malaria, until it reaches an advanced stage.
“We are sensitising communities to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours,” Ojeifo said.
The director advised residents to avoid self-medication and seek immediate care at the nearest hospital if they experienced symptoms resembling malaria.
