Two persons have been confirmed dead as Benue State battles a renewed outbreak of Lassa fever following the confirmation of five positive cases across the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed on Thursday in Makurdi that nine suspected cases have so far been captured on the state’s disease surveillance dashboard within the last two weeks, signalling a worrying spike in infections.
Dr. Ogwuche said out of the nine suspected cases, five have tested positive, with two fatalities already recorded, adding that the outbreak has affected Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas.
He revealed that two health workers are among those infected, a development he described as alarming, noting that two of the cases originated from Buruku but were confirmed in Makurdi.
“As of today, we have nine suspected cases of Lassa fever. Five are confirmed positive and we have recorded two deaths. Two health workers are involved, which underscores the seriousness of the situation,” he said.
The commissioner stated that the state government has activated its rapid response team and public health emergency operations centre to contain the spread, while isolation and treatment protocols have commenced for confirmed and suspected cases.
He explained that surveillance has been intensified in all local government areas, urging residents to be vigilant and report symptoms such as prolonged fever, body weakness and bleeding.
Dr. Ogwuche attributed the rising cases to seasonal factors, especially bush burning during the dry season, which forces rodents – the main carriers of the virus – into homes where they contaminate food.
He added that the ministry has stepped up public awareness campaigns on hygiene and sanitation and is engaging key stakeholders, including the Federal Medical Centre, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the World Health Organisation and donor partners, to strengthen laboratory capacity and prevent further spread of the disease.
The commissioner assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the outbreak and avert further loss of lives.
