The Edo State Government recently announced a new outbreak of Lassa Fever within the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. The Commissioner for Health emphasized the importance of improving hygienic conditions to reduce the presence of rodents, particularly long-mouthed rats, which are known carriers of the disease.
In response to the outbreak, the government has activated the Incident Management Structure and appointed a State Lassa Fever Incident Manager for the 2025 outbreak response. Measures such as early detection and treatment were highlighted as crucial for improving outcomes.
The government emphasized the need for public education to combat the disease effectively and listed various measures to contain the spread, including strengthening disease surveillance systems, scaling up treatment capacity, and educating the public on preventive measures like proper hygiene practices and rodent control.
Lassa Fever is noted as one of the viral hemorrhagic diseases endemic to Edo State, with previous outbreaks resulting in confirmed cases and fatalities. The government expressed its commitment to achieving a lower Case Fatality Rate through collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals and relevant organizations.