The Edo State Government has disclosed that 15 persons have died from Lassa fever since the outbreak was declared in the state in February 2026.

The Director of Public Health at the Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stevenson Ojeifo, made the disclosure in Benin during the State’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Review meeting.

Ojeifo said the state recorded 1,163 suspected cases of Lassa fever as of May 7, 2026.

According to him, 82 cases were confirmed, resulting in 15 deaths.

He noted that the fatalities were recorded in five of the state’s 18 local government areas.

Providing a breakdown, Ojeifo said Etsako West Local Government Area recorded 54 confirmed cases and eight deaths; Esan West recorded 11 cases and three deaths; Akoko-Edo recorded four cases and two deaths; Etsako Central recorded two cases and one death; while Egor Local Government Area recorded two cases and one death.

The public health director also disclosed that the state recorded a few confirmed cases of Monkeypox and Dengue fever, but no deaths were reported from either disease.

He attributed the Lassa fever deaths largely to the late presentation of patients at health facilities for diagnosis and treatment.

Ojeifo, however, assured residents that the state government had made adequate preparations for the treatment of Lassa fever cases at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, said the review was aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

According to him, emergency response remains critical to containing disease outbreaks, adding that the state government is committed to improving the healthcare sector and safeguarding the health of residents. (Daily Trust)

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