FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government has recorded three cases of Monkeypox without mortality, with no fewer than 13 deaths from Lassa fever outbreak between December 2024 and February 2025.
Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo disclosed this at the weekend in Benin City.
Ojiifo said the casualties were recorded in Etsako West, Esan West and Esan North- East Local Government Areas.
He said the local governments were the three epic local governments of Lassa fever outbreak.
According to him, “Since the outbreak of the disease on December 30, 2024, we have over 378 suspected cases.
“But, as at today, of that number, 83 were confirmed positive with 13 mortality. Seven are still receiving treatment while others have been discharged.
“Lassa fever presents symptoms like malaria until it gets to an advanced stage. So, we are sensitising the community that when any one has a fever that is not resolved within 72 hours, they should immediately seek medical treatment at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH.”
Ojiifo attributed the mortality to the late presentation of patients to the hospital for examination and treatment.
He stated that they are liaising with private institutions to ensure that referrals are immediately delivered to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, which is designated for the treatment of the condition.
He added that authorities from the ministry and the National Council for Disease Control, NCDC, had visited the three local governments where the deaths occurred to do contact tracing.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole advised people not to self-medicate, but seek hospital care if they experience symptoms like malaria.
This followed a reported outbreak between December 30, 2024 and January 24 during which 56 confirmed cases of the disease were recorded, resulting in eight deaths.
