Lassa fever death rate raises to 13 in Edo

The Commissioner for Health in Edo State, Prof. Akoria Obehi, has disclosed that the South-south state recorded one more death from Lassa fever, thereby raising the fatality figure to 13.

She also confirmed eight more cases of Lassa fever, raising the total number of confirmed cases in Edo State to 115.

Obehi, who made the disclosure, while speaking with reporters in Benin, noted that Godwin Obaseki’s administration was stepping up efforts to contain the disease across all Edo communities in the 18 local government areas.

She urged residents to complement the government’s efforts by complying with all laid down protocols against the spread of Lassa fever.

Edo health commissioner said: “We have confirmed eight new cases of Lassa fever in Edo State, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 115. With the new figures, we now have 40 persons, including 26 adults and 14 children, who are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (in Edo Central Senatorial District).”

Obehi also stated that Edo was adequately prepared and equipped to handle reported cases of Lassa fever.

She said: “If you experience symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, and high fever, among others, you must quickly rush to the nearest health care centre close to you to report.”

The commissioner for Health in Edo also charged residents of the state to reach out to the disease surveillance or notification officers within their local government areas, if they had been in contact with someone confirmed to have Lassa fever or suspect any symptoms of Lassa fever or any other priority disease.

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Obehi revealed that Edo Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer could be reached on 08060593802, while the state’s Epidemiologist could also be contacted on 08064258163.