Edo State has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the recent death of six individuals and the confirmation of 28 cases across the state. The announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, on Friday, February 13, 2026, during a press briefing in Benin City.
Oshiomhole highlighted the concerning rise in cases, particularly in the Estako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, which have been identified as hotspots for sustained community transmission of the virus. He noted that the situation required immediate, coordinated, and escalated efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
“The recent increase in cases, particularly from Estako West and Esan West, signals sustained community transmission that requires immediate, coordinated, and escalated response,” said Oshiomhole. He reassured the public that the state government had been proactive in its efforts, emphasizing that they had donated Lassa fever packs to the Irrue Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) as part of the ongoing response.
In line with national and international public health protocols, Oshiomhole announced the activation of all pillars of the Edo State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. The operations will be coordinated by the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, who will provide daily situation reports directly to the Commissioner for Health.
The health commissioner stressed that the Edo State government remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the public from the deadly disease. He added, “The state government is proactive, vigilant, and ready to protect the people.”
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness, is endemic in West Africa and is caused by the Lassa virus. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with the excreta of infected Mastomys rats, a common rodent in the region. The symptoms of Lassa fever can range from mild fever and general malaise to severe, life-threatening conditions, such as bleeding and shock. Early treatment with the antiviral drug ribavirin is critical to improving outcomes.
While Lassa fever has an overall fatality rate of about 1%, the rate rises significantly to between 15–20% among hospitalized patients. This high mortality rate underscores the importance of timely intervention and treatment.
