Title: Edo Declares Lassa Fever Outbreak as Death Toll Rises to Six Date Published: 14 February 2026 Description: The Edo State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the death of six persons and the confirmation of 28 cases across the state.The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, made the declaration on Friday while briefing journalists in Benin City, noting that the spike in infections points to sustained community transmission.According to Oshiomhole, recent cases have been concentrated in Estako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, a development he said necessitates an urgent, coordinated, and escalated public health response.“After a careful epidemiological review and risk assessment by the Edo State Ministry of Health, I hereby formally declare a Lassa Fever outbreak in Edo State. As of today, we have recorded 28 laboratory-confirmed cases with six reported deaths,” he said.The commissioner explained that the state government had taken proactive steps in anticipation of recurring outbreaks by providing Lassa fever treatment packs to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre for the disease.In line with national and international public health guidelines, Oshiomhole announced the immediate activation of all pillars of the Edo State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. He said the response would be coordinated by the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, who will submit daily situation reports directly to his office.He assured residents that the state government remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard lives, urging the public to cooperate with health authorities and adhere strictly to preventive measures.Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in parts of West Africa. It is transmitted mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats.While symptoms may begin mildly with fever and general weakness, severe cases can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and shock. Health experts stress that early treatment with the antiviral drug ribavirin significantly improves survival, as fatality rates can rise to between 15 and 20 per cent among hospitalised patients. Attached Images: 47901d21ecb650c9d2817a2b5f798a79a7d13cfb28a7bdb625ee6262e26975b5.png Attached Video: None