In the past week, Edo State has identified 18 additional instances of Lassa fever, bringing the state’s total number of admitted patients to 23.
According to Prof. Akoria Obehi, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, who made this disclosure while briefing journalists in Benin City, “The individuals, including 17 adults and six children, are currently receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), in the Esan Central Local Government Area,
Prof. Obehi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the health and wellbeing of each and every resident of Edo, saying the government has stepped up monitoring, sensitization, and other steps to halt the disease’s spread and safeguard citizens in all areas throughout Edo.
The health commissioner lamented the extraordinary increase in infections and urged everyone living in Edo to help control and eradicate Lassa fever in the state.
She said, “Edo State has registered 18 new instances of Lassa fever over the past week, bringing the cases of Lassa fever patients currently on admission in the state to 23 cases.
According to Prof. Obehi, Esan West, Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan Central, Etsako Central, Esan South East, and Etsako East were among the local government areas in the state most severely impacted by the disease.
When discussing the government’s initiatives to stop the disease’s spread and safeguard residents of Edo, she stated: “The Emergency Operation Centre for Lassa fever has been activated in Edo State on the 5th of January and they have held three meetings. The Emergency Operation Center’s numerous pillars have all been turned on.
In order to strengthen infection control, the Infection, Prevention, and Control pillars are now striving to get in touch with the Diseases Notification and Surveillance Officers in the various local government areas. With messages being developed and distributed to sensitize people in their own tongues, we have stepped up communication.
“We will also be meeting with local council stakeholders today in Edo Central. We will be meeting with the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) of the seven affected LGAs, as well as the market women, Enogies, and the healthcare practitioners in the LGAs, among other stakeholders.”
Lamenting the rise in the number of infections, the Commissioner said, “This is an emergency situation and we want people to be aware that cases of Lassa fever are on the rise.
“While the government is implementing a number of measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state, we urge everyone to support the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of Lassa fever by complying with guidelines to stay healthy and safe.”
She admonished, “Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; avoid contact with rat urine or excrement; avoid drinking contaminated food or water; and get medical assistance right away if you have any signs of Lassa fever, such as fever, headache, muscle discomfort, or weakness.”