BREAKING: EDO DECLARES LASSA FEVER OUTBREAK AS DEATH TOLL RISES TO SIX

 EDO DECLARES LASSA FEVER OUTBREAK AS DEATH TOLL RISES TO SIX


Benin City, Nigeria – February 13, 2026 – The Edo State Government has officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak following a rise in confirmed cases and fatalities across parts of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, announced on Friday that 28 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded, with six deaths reported so far.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, the commissioner said recent epidemiological reviews and risk assessments indicated sustained community transmission, particularly in Etsako West and Esan West Local Government Areas.

“Following a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment by the Edo State Ministry of Health, I hereby formally declare a Lassa Fever outbreak in Edo State. As of today, the state has recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases with six reported deaths,” he stated.

Oshiomhole noted that the increase in cases requires an immediate and coordinated public health response. He disclosed that all pillars of the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre have been activated in line with national and international health protocols.

He explained that the emergency response would be coordinated by the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, who will provide daily situation reports to the commissioner.

The commissioner added that the government had taken proactive measures in anticipation of periodic outbreaks by providing medical supplies, including Lassa fever response packs, to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, a major treatment centre for the disease.

He reassured residents that the state government remains vigilant and committed to protecting public health.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in parts of West Africa. It is caused by the Lassa virus and is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.

Symptoms range from mild fever and weakness to severe complications such as bleeding, organ failure, and shock in advanced cases. Health experts emphasize that early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antiviral medication significantly improve survival rates.

Authorities have urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and promptly report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.

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