The Edo State Government has announced that a total of 15 people have died from Lassa fever since its outbreak in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, disclosed this in Benin City while responding to social media reports alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo is not addressing the disease adequately.
DAILY POST recalls that in February 2025, the state government reported 13 deaths from the disease.
Ojeifo stated: “As of today, Edo State has recorded over 1,000 cases of Lassa fever. Out of these, 103 tested positive. From the 103 positive cases, we have recorded 15 deaths, while others have been treated and discharged.”
The State Director of Public Health also revealed that 11 suspected cases of Mpox have been recorded, with five confirmed positive.
However, he added that no deaths have been recorded from Mpox, as the patients presented themselves early for treatment.
Speaking further on Lassa fever, he commended Governor Okpebholo for implementing strong surveillance and contact-tracing systems, as well as supporting all necessary measures to contain the outbreak in the state.
He noted that the mortality rate is largely due to late referrals or delayed presentation of patients at treatment centres.
According to him, patients are often referred to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH, only when their conditions have severely deteriorated.
Ojeifo stated that the state has been raising awareness on the importance of visiting the hospital when experiencing persistent fever that does not resolve, so that samples can be tested and treatment administered if necessary.
He expressed concern that clinicians are delaying referrals of patients with suspected cases to treatment centres and urged them not to delay sending patients to the appropriate designated facility.
He also warned that any hospital found treating Lassa fever patients unlawfully would face consequences, as ISTH is the designated centre for managing such cases.
Lassa Fever kills 15 in Edo
