Benue battles rising Lassa fever cases as death toll hits 10

The death toll from Lassa fever in Benue State has climbed to 10 as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.

The update was disclosed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Msuega Asema, during an inspection visit by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, to isolation facilities at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Apir, where patients are receiving treatment.

Asema said, “The state is currently facing devastating outbreak of Lassa fever, with 45 cases confirmed positive and 10 cumulative mortality out of 250 suspected cases reported.”

He noted that several health workers were among those infected, including doctors and nurses.

Addressing journalists, Ogwuche acknowledged public concern but assured residents that the government was taking firm steps to curb the spread.

“We have also come here to access the situation on ground. So far, five doctors and other health workers are involved in this infection. This is human to human transmission and the gap is infectious-prevention lapses,” he said.

“So, we have come to see how the centres are doing and how we can move ahead so that we contain the outbreak of Lassa fever quickly in our state.”

He added, “Yes, the data has come up, it looks threatening but I want to say that the state government under governor Hyacinth Alia is fully committed and doing all its best to ensure that this condition is contained as soon as possible.”

The commissioner said surveillance teams had been deployed across all 23 local government areas to enhance monitoring and contact tracing. Residents were urged to report symptoms early for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Hospital officials confirmed that additional measures had been introduced to manage the situation, although challenges such as erratic power supply were affecting laboratory operations at the Apir facility.

Authorities expressed sympathy to families of the deceased and commended frontline health workers for their dedication.