The Edo State Government announced a new outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state on Friday, urging residents to report any suspected cases.

The Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, made this known at a press conference in Benin City, the state capital.

He emphasized the need to improve hygiene to minimize the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the primary carriers of the disease.

Oshiomhole revealed that the government has activated the Incident Management Structure and appointed Ekaete Tobi from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital as the State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 response.

He stated, “A new outbreak of Lassa Fever has been confirmed in the state, and we urge the public to promptly report any suspected cases. It is also essential to improve hygiene and take measures to control rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are the main carriers of the virus.”

He further explained that all relevant teams and departments—including Surveillance, Laboratory, Logistics, Vector Control, Infection Prevention and Control, Risk Communication, and Case Management—have been activated. Dr. Osahogie Edeawe was appointed as the Case Manager for the outbreak response.

Oshiomhole stressed that early detection and treatment significantly improve patient outcomes and urged residents to remain vigilant.

“This declaration follows laboratory confirmation of several cases of Lassa Fever in the state. The outbreak presents a serious public health threat due to its potential for rapid spread and severe health consequences if not effectively managed. To contain the situation, the State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated emergency response mechanisms,” he said.

The Commissioner outlined the measures in place to curb the spread of the disease, emphasizing that public education is a key strategy in the fight against Lassa Fever.

Among the steps being taken are strengthening disease surveillance to ensure prompt case detection and reporting, expanding treatment capacity at designated centers, educating the public on preventive measures—including proper hygiene, rodent control, and safe food storage—and providing healthcare workers with protective gear and training, and collaborating with national and international health organizations for technical support, resources, and supplies.

He added, “Lassa Fever remains one of the viral hemorrhagic diseases endemic to Edo State, making its recurrence a major concern. In 2024, the state recorded 3,270 suspected cases, with 292 confirmed and 41 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14%.

“This was an improvement compared to the 2023 outbreak, which saw 3,764 suspected cases, 372 confirmed cases, and 65 deaths, with a CFR of 17.6%. Our goal is to reduce this further, aiming for a single-digit or zero CFR.”

Oshiomhole credited the progress in 2024 to the commitment of state health officials, the One Health team, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and other partners and stakeholders.