- Three deaths were confirmed from Lassa fever in Benue State, with five cases out of 40 suspected infections
- Dr Yanmar Otese called for swift, coordinated action to contain the outbreak
- Government urged the public to be alert for symptoms and take preventive measures to avoid infection
The Benue State government declared a Lassa fever outbreak on Monday, February 24, reporting three deaths among five confirmed cases from 40 suspected infections.
Dr Yanmar Otese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, confirmed the outbreak in Makurdi, urging swift and coordinated action to prevent further spread of the disease.
"A comprehensive risk analysis has been conducted, leading to the official declaration of an outbreak in the state," Dr Otese stated.
He highlighted the importance of early detection, advising residents to be vigilant for symptoms including high fever, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. Dr. Otese stressed that timely medical intervention was crucial for effective treatment.
Health authorities were actively working to control the situation, with surveillance teams on high alert across the state’s 23 local government areas.
A 10-member rapid response team from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), had also been deployed to assist in containment efforts.
To limit the spread of the virus, all suspected cases were being treated in isolation at designated centres. In addition, the state launched a rodent control initiative, focusing on community cleanups and environmental sanitation.
Benue commissioner urges citizens to seek medical attention
Dr Otese encouraged residents to store food in sealed containers and maintain cleanliness around their homes to help prevent infection.
He reassured the public that long-term measures to strengthen public health infrastructure and reduce the risk of future outbreaks were being implemented.
The commissioner called on citizens, healthcare workers, and community leaders to follow strict preventive guidelines to protect public health.
"Our government team is working relentlessly to contain the outbreak and protect public health," Dr Otese said, advising symptomatic individuals to seek medical attention immediately or call the emergency helpline at 08039294999.
Nigeria records 143 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, 22 deaths in 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that NCDC reported 143 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 22 deaths across 7 states between December 2024 and January 2025
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stood at 15.4%, with the majority of cases from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.