From Chris Akhabue
The Edo State Government has said that it is boosting its response to Lassa fever, strengthening awareness campaigns and surveillance activities, among other efforts to contain the disease across various communities in the state.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, amid increasing cases of infections in the state.
She said Edo has recorded six more cases of the disease, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 138.
The Commissioner said the six new infections were confirmed in Etsako West and Esan North East, adding that the six new confirmed persons and 37 others are currently on admission and receiving medical care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).
She said the state has confirmed a total of 16 deaths from the disease and a case fatality rate of 12 percent, urging residents to comply with health protocols against the spread of the disease so as to stay healthy and alive, and protect their loved ones from Lassa fever.
Prof. Akoria said the state government is committed to curbing the spread of the disease across all communities in the state and has stepped up surveillance and response activities including contact listing and tracing, response coordination, case management, and risk communication, among others.
She further urged, “While the government continues to intensify efforts to contain the disease and protect citizens, we urge everyone to comply with all preventive protocols and visit the nearest health facility if they notice any of the signs and symptoms of Lassa fever; avoid self-medication.
“We also charge healthcare providers to practice standard precautions and maintain a high index of suspicion at all times. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria and if RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness, including Lassa fever, should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of survival.”
