Edo confirms new death from Lassa fever, charges residents on hygiene

Edo State, at the weekend, recorded a new death from Lassa fever with the government restating its commitment to containing the disease in the state.

The state Health Commissioner, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin, said the state government has stepped up measures and is collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to ensure safe and healthy environment to stop Lassa fever transmission and protect citizens.

She, however, restated the need for residents to complement government’s efforts by maintaining good environmental hygiene and sanitation habits in the handling and preparation of food.

The commissioner said: “Edo State, at the weekend, confirmed a new death from Lassa fever, which restates the need for residents to be more conscious of their environments, as part of efforts to check the spread of the fever in the state.

“As a government, we are committed to protecting and ensuring good health for our citizens and have continued to rev up efforts in the fight against Lassa fever in the state. We, however, urge residents to complement government’s efforts by adhering to good environmental health, sanitation habits and proper hygiene in the handling and preparation of food.

“We are proposing a safe burial team to ensure people who die from diseases such as Lassa fever and COVID-19 are given safe burial to prevent the reinfection of others.”

Noting that the ministry is adequately prepared and equipped to handle reported cases, Akoria, told the citizens: “If you experience symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting and high fever, among others, you must quickly rush to the nearest healthcare centre close to you to report.”
Speaking on efforts to stop the transmission of other communicable diseases in the state, she said measles vaccination was ongoing and the training of the staff of Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.