Addressing a press conference in Benin City, Oshiomhole disclosed that the state has recorded 28 confirmed cases of the disease.
Six people have died from Lassa Fever in Edo State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed on Friday evening.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Oshiomhole stated that the state has recorded 28 confirmed cases of the disease. He highlighted that the recent rise in cases from Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas indicates ongoing community transmission that demands urgent action.
“After a thorough epidemiological review and risk assessment by the Edo State Ministry of Health, I formally declare a Lassa Fever outbreak in Edo State,” Oshiomhole said.
“As of today, Edo State has 28 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa Fever, including six deaths. The recent surge, especially in Etsako West and Esan West, points to sustained community transmission that requires an immediate, coordinated, and intensified response.”
He added that the state government had anticipated Lassa Fever’s periodic outbreaks and had proactively provided Lassa packs to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to support treatment and containment efforts.