Alarm as Edo Records 18 New Cases of Lassa Fever
The Edo State Government has raised an alarm over rising cases of Lassa fever across the state.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who raised the alarm on Monday in Benin, disclosed that a total of 18 new cases were recorded in the last week, raising the total number of people who are currently on admission in the state to 23.
According to Obehi, the victims include 17 adults and six children, who are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), in Esan central local government area of the state.
The Commissioner who gave assurance of government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of every Edo resident, disclosed that the government has stepped up surveillance, sensitisation, and other measures to stop the spread of the disease and protect residents across the state.
Obehi while lamenting the unprecedented rise in the number of infections, called for the support and collaboration of every Edo resident to control and eliminate Lassa fever in the state.
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According to her, “Edo 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.
Speaking on the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect Edo citizens, she noted: “The Emergency Operation Centre for Lassa fever has been activated in Edo State on the 5th of January and they have had three meetings. The various pillars of the Emergency Operation Centre have been activated.
“The Infection, Prevention and Control pillars are 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 sensitise people in their local languages.
The commissioner charged, “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.”
