STILL ON LASSA FEVER: Edo confirms six cases of Lassa fever

The Edo Government has confirmed six cases of Lassa fever in the state.

Lassa virus is transmitted from rats, of the family called Mastomys

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie,said the cases were confirmed at the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo.

“Among the six cases, one is from Plateau while the remaining five cases are from Edo.

“Among the five cases from Edo, four are from Estako West local government area while the remaining case is from Uhumwonde area of the state,” she said.

Lassa fever is a haemorrhagic viral disease caused by Lassa virus which is transmitted from rats, of the family called Mastomys, to humans.

“The symptoms of the disease include severe illness with fever and at least one of the following signs: bloody stool, vomiting blood or unexplained bleeding from the gums, nose, vagina, skin or eyes.