On Tuesday, March 11, the Edo State Government shared some sad news: 15 people have passed away because of a sickness called Lassa fever since it started spreading in the state.
Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, the Director of Public Health for Edo State’s Ministry of Health, talked about this in Benin City. He was answering people on social media who said Governor Monday Okpebholo wasn’t doing enough to stop the disease.
Last month, on Monday, February 10, the state had already told everyone about 13 deaths from Lassa fever. Now, the number has gone up. Dr. Ojeifo said: “As of today, Edo State has recorded over 1,000 cases of Lassa fever. Out of these, 103 tested positive. From the 103 positive cases, we have recorded 15 deaths, while others have been treated and discharged.”
He also shared that 11 people might have another sickness called Mpox, and five of them tested positive. The good news? No one has died from Mpox because they went to the doctor early and got help.
Dr. Ojeifo praised Governor Okpebholo for doing a great job. The governor set up smart systems to watch for sick people and find out who they’ve been near. He’s also helping with everything needed to stop Lassa fever from spreading more.
But there’s a problem: many people wait too long to get help, and that’s why some don’t make it. Dr. Ojeifo explained that sick people often get sent to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, or ISTH, only when they’re really, really sick.
The state has been telling everyone: if you have a fever that won’t go away, go to the hospital fast! They can test you and give you medicine if you need it. Dr. Ojeifo is worried because some doctors wait too long to send sick people to the right place. He said they need to act quicker.
He also said that only ISTH is allowed to treat Lassa fever. If any hospital tries to treat it secretly, they’ll get in trouble
