Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Plateau State authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever that has infected 11 people and claimed four lives across several local government areas, prompting the activation of emergency public health measures and heightened surveillance across the state. The outbreak was first identified in late December 2025 and continues to draw concern from health officials and residents.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the situation during a press briefing in Jos, outlining that the first cases were reported on December 20, 2025, in Quanpan Local Government Area. Initial investigations identified two confirmed infections, which triggered extensive contact tracing and active case finding. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 11, with 28 suspected cases investigated and contacts traced as part of the outbreak response.
The illness has so far affected residents across seven local government areas, including Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South and Mangu. The deaths have occurred in major health facilities within the state, such as Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Among the fatalities was a medical practitioner who contracted the virus while attending to an infected patient, underscoring the risks faced by frontline health workers. Another doctor is reported to be receiving treatment in hospital.
In response to the outbreak, Plateau State authorities have activated an incident management team to coordinate surveillance, case management and public health education. This includes active case searching in communities, contact tracing, monitoring and treatment in designated facilities. Health officials emphasised the importance of public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on how to reduce transmission, including improved hygiene practices, safe food storage, and rodent control, since Lassa fever is commonly spread through contact with excreta from infected rodents or through close contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic patients.
Dr. Baamlong assured the public that treatment drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed to key health facilities, and that rapid response teams are deployed to affected communities to limit further spread. While the state continues its containment efforts, residents have been urged to be vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and adhere to recommended preventive measures.
The outbreak in Plateau comes amid a broader pattern of seasonal Lassa fever activity in Nigeria, where health authorities have warned of rising cases in several states during the dry season. National surveillance data indicate that outbreaks often emerge between November and April, affecting multiple states beyond long-standing high-burden areas.
Plateau’s confirmed cases and fatalities highlight the ongoing public health challenge posed by Lassa fever in Nigeria and underscore the need for sustained community engagement, robust healthcare response systems and enhanced preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations and reduce transmission risks.
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