The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, on Friday said that six persons had died from Lassa Fever in the state.
The figure, the commissioner added, formed part of the 28 confirmed cases of the fever in the state.
Dr Oshiomhole, who gave the figures while addressing journalists in Benin City, said that the recent increase in cases, particularly from Estako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, signaled sustained community transmission that required immediate, coordinated, and escalated response.
He said that the state government had been proactive, knowing that the Lassa Fever outbreak had become periodic by donating Lassa packs to Irrue Specialist Teaching Hospital.
According to him, “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.s
“As today, Edo State has recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever with 6 reported deaths.
“The recent increase in cases, particularly from Estako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, signals sustained community transmission that requires immediate, coordinated, and escalated response.
“The Edo state government has been proactive, knowing that Lassa Fever outbreak has become periodic by donating Lassa packs to ISTH,” he added.
To stem. The tide, and in line with national and international public health protocols, the commissioner announced the activation of All Pillars of the Edo State Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) with immediate effect.
He said the response would be fully coordinated under the leadership of the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, who would provide daily situation reports directly to the Commissioner for Health.