...As Ministry Begins Contact Tracing
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Fear has gripped the residents of Edo State following the recent outbreak of Lassa fever that has left 13 persons dead in the state.
Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, gave the update on the number of deaths during an interview with Journalists in Benin.
According to him, three cases of Mpox otherwise known as Monkeypox were also recorded, though with no fatalities.
Ojeifo said that since the outbreak of Lassa fever was declared on December 30, 2024, the state had recorded 83 confirmed cases out of 378 suspected cases.
“So far, we have 83 confirmed Lassa fever cases, with 13 deaths.Seven patients are currently receiving treatment, while others have been discharged.”
He said the fatalities were recorded in Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North-East Local Government Areas of the state, which had been identified as the epicenters of the outbreak.
He, however, attributed the high mortality rate to late presentation at health facilities.
Ojeifo said the state government was working with private hospitals to ensure timely referrals to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, the designated centre for Lassa fever treatment.
He said that health officials from the state and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, had also conducted contact tracing in affected communities.
“Lassa fever initially presents with symptoms similar to malaria, until it reaches an advanced stage.
“We are sensitising communities to seek medical attention if a fever persists beyond 72 hours,” Ojeifo added.