Lassa fever
Lassa fever rises in Edo, as confirmed cases reach 26
Lassa fever infection in Edo has climbed to 26 people, following three more cases recorded in the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Professor Obehi Akoria, who decried the rising cases of Lassa fever in the state, urged residents to take preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
She noted that the confirmed persons, including 10 adult males and nine females, as well as, seven children are currently receiving medical care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
“Edo State has continued to record a steady increase in the number of cases of Lassa fever, with a total of 26 persons currently on admission at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
“The 26 confirmed cases on admission which include seven children, 10 adult males, and nine adult females, are all stable and responding to treatment.
“Lassa fever is preventable. Edo State no longer has the highest burden of Lassa fever in the country. This is proof that our interventions are working and that Lassa fever can be prevented.”
Akoria further encouraged residents to avoid bush burning, indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain high standards of communal hygiene, as she implored healthcare providers to desist from managing illnesses beyond their scope and to promptly refer such cases as early treatment is key to survival and containing spread.
