Edo State government said that it recorded 18 new cases of Lassa fever in the last week, raising the total number of persons who are on admission in the state to 23.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this, said the persons, including 17 adults and six children, were receiving care at Irua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).
Restating the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of every resident, Obehi said government had stepped up surveillance, sensitisation, and other measures to stop the spread of the disease and protect residents across all communities.
Lamenting the unprecedented rise in the number of infections, the commissioner called for the support and collaboration of every resident to control and eliminate Lassa fever in the state.
According to her, “the state, over the past one week, has recorded 18 new cases of Lassa fever, bringing the cases of Lassa fever patients currently on admission in the state to 23.”
Obehi listed the local government areas in the state most hit by the disease to include Esan West, Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan Central, Etsako Central, Esan South East and Etsako East.
Speaking on the state government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect the citizens, she noted, “The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for Lassa fever was activated in Edo State on January 5 and they have had three meetings. The various pillars of the EOC have been activated.
“The infection, prevention and control pillar is currently working on contacting the diseases notification and surveillance officers in the various local government areas to beef up infection control. We have stepped up communication with messages being developed and disseminated to sensitize people in their local languages.
“We will also be meeting with local council stakeholders today in Edo Central, the head of local government administration of the seven affected LGAs, as well as the market women, Enogies, and the healthcare practitioners in the LGAs, among other stakeholders.”
Lamenting the rise in the number of infections, the commissioner said, “This is an emergency situation, and we want people to be aware that cases of Lassa fever are on the rise.
“While the government is implementing a number of measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state, we urge everyone to support the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of Lassa fever by complying with guidelines to stay healthy and safe.
“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; avoid contact with rat urine or feces; avoid consuming contaminated food or water and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of Lassa fever, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness,” she charged.
