Edo Govt Refutes Report On Lassa Fever Handling

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo state government has refuted some media report alleging that the government is not doing enough in eradicating the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

The Director Public Health, State Ministry of Health Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson who stated this during a press conference in Benin, disclosed that the state government is not only concentrating on checking the spread of Lassa Fever but also eradicating the carrier (Rat).

According to Dr. Ojeifo, the present administration has immensely supported the ministry with timely release of funds to tackle the Lassa Fever spread, adding that Edo State government is not taking health issues for granted.

“Also, Edo state government have gone further to ensure that any suspected case of Lessa Fever sample is collected immediately and transported to the testing centre which is Irrua Special Teacher Hospital, Irrua, in Edo Central and University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Edo South. These are effectively being done. The state have also go further, he added.

He charged Edo people not to panic but be vigilant and report any suspected case of prolonged fever, emphasizing that testing and treatment for Lassa Fever is free.

While noting that Etsako West, Esan North-East and Esan West are the three hotspot local government areas, the Director noted that the state government has put measures in place to halt the spread of Lassa fever in this local government areas with the help of a very efficient surveillance team.

The Director also warned that any clinician or private hospital caught managing a Lassa fever patient instead of referring the patient to Irrua Specialist Hospital, the only accredited health facility to handle such case will be closed down.

On Mpox cases in the state, Dr. Ojeifo said eleven suspected cases has so far been recorded, with five positive which were treated and reunited with their families.

He however advised journalists to verify information on health issues before publishing.