Lassa Fever Outbreak in Benue: Death Toll Rises to Two, Cases Hit Nine

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…“As we speak, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever on our dashboard.

BENUE, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Two people have reportedly died from Lassa fever in Benue State, just a week after seven cases of the disease were recorded.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Thursday in Makurdi, noting an increase in Lassa fever cases over the past two weeks.

According to Ogwuche, two additional cases have been added to the state’s disease surveillance dashboard, bringing the total number of suspected cases to nine. Of these, five tested positive, with two resulting in fatalities.

“As we speak, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever on our dashboard. About five are confirmed positive, and unfortunately, two have died,” he said.

The commissioner revealed that the cases are mainly concentrated in Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas, with two health workers among those infected.

“The cases are in Buruku and Makurdi LGAs. Two of the cases came from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi. Two involve health workers,” Ogwuche added.

He assured that the state government has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.

“Our ministry has responded appropriately. We activated our incident rapid response team, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and implemented all necessary measures,” he said.

Ogwuche urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and avoid contact with rodents, particularly rats, warning that during the dry season, rodents displaced by burning grasses often seek shelter in homes. He also cautioned against leaving food, especially raw items, uncovered.

“Surveillance has been heightened across all LGAs to ensure early detection and treatment. Early diagnosis is key to managing Lassa fever,” he added.

Regarding the newly diagnosed patients, Ogwuche said they are not yet showing symptoms but would be isolated as a precaution and to begin all management protocols.

He also called on residents to report symptoms such as prolonged fever, weakness, fatigue, or unusual bleeding.

The commissioner noted that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to strengthen containment efforts, involving key health institutions including the Federal Medical Centre, which hosts the molecular laboratory.