Lassa Fever claims 15 lives in Edo as confirmed cases rise to 82

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Government has disclosed that no fewer than 15 persons have died from Lassa fever since the latest outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic disease was declared in February 2026.

The Director of Public Health in the Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ojeifo Stevenson Ojeifo, revealed this on Wednesday in Benin during the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Review (PHEOCR).

According to him, the state recorded 1,163 suspected cases of Lassa fever between the outbreak period and May 7, 2026, out of which 82 cases were confirmed.

He said the confirmed cases resulted in 15 fatalities across five local government areas of the state.

“Of the 1,163 suspected cases recorded, 82 were confirmed, resulting in 15 deaths,” Ojeifo stated.

Providing a breakdown of the outbreak, he said Etsako West Local Government Area recorded the highest burden, with 54 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Esan West recorded 11 confirmed cases and three deaths, while Akoko-Edo reported four cases and two fatalities.

He added that Etsako Central and Egor local government areas recorded two confirmed cases each, with one death reported in each council area.

Despite the Lassa fever outbreak, Ojeifo disclosed that the state also recorded a few cases of Monkeypox and Dengue fever, but noted that no fatalities were linked to either disease.

He attributed the high mortality rate from Lassa fever largely to the late presentation of infected persons at health facilities, a situation that often complicates treatment and reduces chances of survival.

The public health expert, however, assured residents that the state government had strengthened its response capacity and made adequate arrangements for the treatment of Lassa fever patients at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), the nation’s leading referral centre for the disease.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, said the review meeting was aimed at strengthening the preparedness and response capacity of the state’s health sector against disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

He stressed the importance of rapid emergency response mechanisms in containing disease outbreaks and preventing widespread transmission.

Eighemhenrio reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the state’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging public health threats.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices and promptly seek medical attention whenever symptoms associated with Lassa fever are observed.