A total of 15 people have died from Lassa fever since its outbreak in the state.
The Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, made the disclosure in Benin City while responding to social media reports alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo is not addressing the disease adequately.
“As of today, Edo State has recorded over 1,000 cases of Lassa fever. Out of these, 103 tested positive. From the 103 positive cases, we have recorded 15 deaths, while others have been treated and discharged,” the director stated.
He expressed concern that clinicians are delaying referrals of patients with suspected cases to treatment centres and urged them not to delay sending patients to the appropriate designated facility.
He warned that any hospital found treating Lassa fever patients unlawfully would face consequences, noting that the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH, is the designated centre for managing such cases.
Ojeifo further said 11 suspected cases of Mpox have been recorded, with five confirmed positive.
The director of public health, however, added that no deaths have been recorded from Mpox, as the patients presented themselves early for treatment.
