Benue State has recorded two deaths from Lassa fever, just a week after the first seven suspected cases were reported, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has confirmed.
Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday, Ogwuche said the state’s disease surveillance system currently lists nine suspected cases, with five testing positive and two resulting in fatalities.
“The situation is serious. We now have nine suspected cases of Lassa fever, five confirmed, and sadly, two deaths”, he said.
The cases are concentrated in Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas, with two of the infected individuals being health workers. “Two cases originated from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi. Among the infected, two are health personnel”, Ogwuche added.
He reassured residents that the state government has activated emergency measures to control the outbreak. “Our Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is fully engaged, and our rapid response teams are working to contain the spread”, he said.
The commissioner also urged residents to take preventive measures, stressing the importance of hygiene and sanitation. “Avoid contact with rodents, especially rats. During the dry season, as grasses are burned, rodents often seek shelter in homes. Make sure food, particularly raw items, is properly covered”, he warned.
Ogwuche further noted that surveillance has been intensified across all local government areas to ensure early detection and prompt treatment, while the public is encouraged to report suspected cases immediately.
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