Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Benue State, Nigeria — Health officials in Benue State have confirmed fatalities and an uptick in Lassa fever cases, fuelling concerns amid the broader national struggle against the viral disease that continues to exert a heavy toll across parts of the country. State health authorities disclosed on Thursday that two people have died from Lassa fever as suspected and confirmed infections rise, prompting activation of emergency response mechanisms and community outreach efforts.
Dr Paul Ogwuche, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, said during a press briefing in Makurdi that the state’s disease surveillance dashboard currently shows nine suspected cases of Lassa fever, of which five have tested positive, with two deaths recorded in the ongoing outbreak. He noted that the recent surge has unfolded over the past two weeks, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by viral haemorrhagic illnesses in parts of north-central Nigeria.
The cases are predominantly clustered in Makurdi and Buruku Local Government Areas, with two of the confirmed infections involving healthcare workers, underscoring the occupational risk faced by frontline staff. Ogwuche explained that although two cases originated in Buruku, diagnoses were confirmed in Makurdi where laboratory facilities are available.
With the dry season underway, conditions conducive to rodent movement and human contact are believed to be accelerating transmission. Lassa fever is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected Mastomys rats, common in rural and peri-urban settings. Dr Ogwuche explained that burning of grasses and shift in rodent habitats during the dry season increases the likelihood of rats entering homes in search of shelter and food, elevating the risk of contamination.
The commissioner stressed that the state government has activated its rapid response team and public health emergency operations centre to manage the outbreak. Health education campaigns have been intensified to enlighten residents on preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, safeguarding food stores, improving environmental sanitation, and avoiding contact with rodents – all critical to limiting the spread.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain central to curbing mortality, health officials emphasize. The state has isolated additional suspected cases — two of which are not yet symptomatic — to ensure that treatment protocols can be initiated swiftly should symptoms develop. Ogwuche detailed common signs of Lassa fever, including prolonged fever, weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
While the current fatalities represent a localised outbreak, national data paints a broader picture of Lassa fever’s impact in Nigeria. According to the latest figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the country recorded more than 1,100 confirmed cases with over 200 deaths in 2025, illustrating the ongoing severity of the disease at the national level. The case fatality rate remains high, largely driven by challenges in early detection, delayed presentation at health facilities, and limited access to prompt treatment in some states.
The NCDC also recently reported that a small number of states accounted for the majority of confirmed cases nationwide, with Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo States recording around 89 per cent of infections during the latest reporting period. Although Benue is not among the top four most affected states, isolated outbreaks there highlight the widespread nature of the threat.
Health authorities in Benue have not only mobilised emergency response structures but have also called for strengthened laboratory capacity and collaboration with national and international partners. Dr Ogwuche mentioned that meetings involving stakeholders — including the Federal Medical Centre, teaching hospitals, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiologists, and donor partners — have been convened to coordinate a more effective outbreak response.
The involvement of health workers among the infected also underscores the need for rigorous infection prevention and control measures within healthcare settings. Across Nigeria, healthcare worker infections have been reported in various outbreaks, prompting calls for enhanced protective protocols and training to safeguard those on the front lines.
For many residents in affected communities, the news of fatalities has been met with concern. Local health workers and community leaders have reiterated the importance of environmental sanitation and early reporting of symptoms to health facilities, as well as compliance with public health advisories. The community outreach campaigns that have been launched aim to demystify the disease, address misconceptions, and encourage timely health-seeking behaviour.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, especially during the dry season, which typically spans from December to April. During this period, the number of infections often rises as rodent vectors move closer to human settlements. National public health agencies have emphasised that surveillance, early clinical care, and community engagement are pivotal to controlling outbreaks and preventing further loss of life.
As Benue State fortifies its public health response and intensifies efforts to trace contacts and manage new cases, residents and health officials alike are urged to maintain vigilance. Public cooperation with health campaigns, adherence to preventive practices, and rapid reporting of suspected cases to designated health facilities are seen as integral to mitigating the impact of Lassa fever in the region.
The situation is evolving, and health authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments