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The Benue State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever due to a significant increase in cases over the past four years.

At a press conference held in Makurdi on Monday, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, announced that 40 suspected cases had been recorded this year alone, with five confirmed cases and three fatalities. This represents a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 60 percent.

Dr. Ortese explained that Lassa fever is a serious viral illness primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their waste. He emphasized that immediate action is necessary to prevent more deaths and control the spread of the disease.

“We are deeply concerned about the rising cases of Lassa fever in Benue. In just the first two months of this year, we have already recorded three deaths. This calls for immediate action from both the government and the people,” he stated.

The commissioner also outlined the symptoms of Lassa fever, which include high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

In response to the outbreak, the state government has launched initiatives to control rodent populations, such as community clean-up campaigns and environmental sanitation efforts.

“We urge all residents to store food in sealed containers, maintain hygiene, and report any suspected cases immediately,” Dr. Ortese advised.

Additionally, he highlighted a rising concern over snake bites in the state, with 199 reported cases recorded at the General Hospital in Gbajimgba, Guma Local Government Area, between July and December 2024.

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