Lassa fever has killed six residents in Edo as health authorities confirm a growing outbreak across parts of the state.
Officials have disclosed that 28 laboratory-confirmed infections have been recorded so far, raising concerns over renewed community transmission.
The development has prompted an emergency public health response aimed at curbing further spread.
Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, said surveillance data and clinical investigations pointed to an escalating situation.
According to him, a formal outbreak declaration became necessary after a detailed epidemiological review.
“We have reached a threshold that requires decisive action,” Oshiomhole said.
“The pattern of infections shows active transmission in affected communities, and we cannot afford complacency.”
Health authorities identified Etsako West and Esan West local government areas as hotspots driving the recent surge.
Moreover, officials warned that delayed reporting and late presentation at health facilities have contributed to complications in some cases.
Oshiomhole stressed that the state government had anticipated the seasonal recurrence of Lassa fever.
Hence, precautionary measures were initiated ahead of the current spike.
He revealed that Lassa treatment packs had earlier been supplied to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to strengthen case management capacity.
“Our preparedness strategy was activated early,” he added. “We equipped frontline facilities and intensified surveillance to detect cases swiftly.”
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has begun scaling up contact tracing, community sensitisation, and infection prevention protocols in affected areas.
Residents have been urged to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding.
Public health experts note that Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, remains endemic in several parts of Nigeria.
However, timely diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
Authorities insisted that coordinated intervention, public awareness, and strict adherence to preventive measures will be critical in containing the outbreak and preventing additional fatalities in Edo State.