The Benue State Government has confirmed two deaths linked to the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in the state, as health authorities intensify response efforts to curb further spread.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed the fatalities on Thursday in Makurdi, following an earlier alert issued on Sunday,January 18, warning residents about rising infections.
Ogwuche explained that reported cases have increased steadily over the last two weeks, with the state’s surveillance dashboard now showing nine suspected cases. Of these, five have been confirmed positive, including infections among two health workers, while two patients have died.
He noted that Makurdi and Buruku local government areas are currently the worst affected, adding that although some cases originated from Buruku, diagnosis was carried out in Makurdi.
“As we speak now, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever on our dashboard. About five have tested positive, with two resulting in mortality. Among the five positive cases, two involved health workers.
“The cases are from Buruku and Makurdi. Two cases originated from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the ministry has activated its rapid response mechanisms, including the public health emergency operations centre, while awareness campaigns have been expanded across communities.
“We have stepped up our health campaigns, enlightening people on how they can avoid this disease,” he added.
Ogwuche urged residents to prioritise personal hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, and avoid exposure to rodents, which he identified as the main carriers of the virus.
“Cases are high now, especially during the dry season when grasses are burnt. These rodents begin to look for hiding places and enter homes. If food, especially raw food, is left uncovered, they can contaminate it”, he said.
He said surveillance efforts have been strengthened to ensure early detection, stressing that prompt isolation and treatment remain critical to saving lives.
“The two cases diagnosed today are not yet symptomatic, but we want to isolate them so we can begin all the necessary treatment protocols,” he said.
The commissioner listed common symptoms of Lassa fever as persistent fever, weakness, fatigue and bleeding from body openings, while disclosing plans to enhance laboratory capacity and convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting.
The meeting, he said, would involve the Federal Medical Centre, the teaching hospital managing the state isolation centre, the World Health Organisation, epidemiologists and development partners.
“We are determined to ensure that this deadly disease is brought under control”, the commissioner said.
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