Posted on: Tue 24-01-2023

Edo State has continued to record steady rise in confirmed cases and fatalities from Lassa fever, with the government calling for cooperation and support of residents to stop the spread of the disease.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, said the state has recorded eight new cases in the last 24 hours, with one new death.

She said the new cases were recorded in Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan West and Egor councils, reiterating the need for residents across all communities to take preventive measures against the spread.

She said: “Edo State has recorded eight new cases of Lassa fever, raising the total number of cases in the state to 96. We also confirmed a new death from the disease, raising the fatality figure to nine with a case fatality rate of nine per cent. So far, four deaths have been recorded in Etsako West and two in Esan North East, while Etsako East, Oredo, and Esan West councils have confirmed one death each from the disease.”

According to her, Etsako West is the most affected with 37 confirmed cases and four deaths, followed by Esan West Council with 24 cases and Esan North East with 19 confirmed cases.

Reassuring of government’s commitment to contain the pandemic and ensure the health of citizens, the Commissioner said 42 persons were currently on admission at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, adding: “The 42 persons, including 30 adults and 12 children are currently receiving medical care at the ISTH and are responding to treatment.”

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