According to Prof. Obehi Akoria, Edo State Commissioner for Health, the most severely affected local government areas in Edo State by Lassa fever are Etsako West, Esan West, and Esan North East, urging residents to collaborate to prevent the pandemic from spreading to all communities in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Commissioner stated that the government has stepped up its surveillance and response efforts to stop the disease’s spread and protect the health and wellbeing of residents in the state.
According to Prof. Obehi, the state has now officially confirmed one more death in Esan West LGA, bringing the state’s total number of fatalities to 10.
The Commissioner stated that of the 97 verified cases in the state, Esan West recorded 24, and Esan North East recorded 19, while Etsako West recorded 38 cases.
Others are Esan Central, 3; Esan South East, 2; Etsako East, 2; Owan East, 2; Akoko Edo, 2; Ovia North East,2; Oredo, 2 and Etsako Central, 1.
According to her, Etsako West (4), Esan West (2), Esan NE (2), Etsako East (1), and Oredo (1) all had confirmed fatalities out of the state’s total documented deaths.
The health commissioner reaffirmed the government’s committed to ensure residents’ health and safety and encouraged residents to adhere by all health regulations to stop the disease’s spread in order to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.
Prof Akoria charged, “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.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid coming into touch with rat urine or faece; 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.”