THIS DAY
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, has said about 13 children and seven adults, who were confirmed with Lassa fever in the state, are still on admission at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISTH).
The commissioner, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, said the state had continued to record a steady rise in the number of cases, urging residents to complement the government’s efforts at containing the disease by complying with all guidelines against its spread.
She said Edo had recorded a total of 173 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 25 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 15 per cent.
The commissioner said most of the deaths recorded from the disease in the state were persons who were unwell and failed to report to a proper hospital for care until they developed complications.
“Take responsibility to work with the Ministry of Health, observe preventive measures and report early symptoms suspected to be malaria or any other sickness that present like malaria so as to receive early and proper care,” she advised.
“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,” she added.
The commissioner further charged Edo residents to reach out to the disease surveillance or notification officers within their local government
