By Jethro Ibileke
Edo Government has confirmed the death of 15 from the over 1000 cases of Lassa Fever since the latest outbreak of the disease in the State.
As of February this year, the State government announced 13 deaths from the hemorrhagic disease.
The Director of Public Health of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, disclosed this in Benin in reaction to a social media report.
He also disclosed that the State has recorded 11 suspected cases of Mpox, but only five were positive.
Netizens had criticized the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for not doing enough to tackle the disease.
“As of today, Edo State has recorded over 1000 cases of Lassa Fever in the State, from these cases we have recorded 103 positive cases.
“From the 103 positive cases, we have recorded 15 deaths; while others have been treated and discharged,” Ojeifo said.
He added that Governor Okpebholo has put up a strong surveillance and contact tracing system and has supported with everything needed to contain the outbreak of the disease.
According to Ojeifo, mortality rates result from late referral or presentation of patients at the treatment centre.
He noted that patients were referred to ISTH only when the condition is already very bad, which, he said the State Government has been sensitizing the people on the need to visit the hospital when they have persistent fever that is not resolving so that samples can be taken for test and treatment if positive.
“If positive, the patient should move to Irrua Teaching Specialist Hospital for treatment because everything to manage the patient is available there,” he assured.
He added that the State did not record any mortality in Mpox because the patients presented themselves early for treatment.