Lassa fever has claimed the lives of 10 people in Benue State, health authorities have confirmed, as a broader outbreak continues to unfold across the region.
The Benue State Ministry of Health said that 45 confirmed cases of the viral haemorrhagic disease have been recorded in the current outbreak, with the fatalities including both community members and healthcare workers. The majority of confirmed infections have occurred in local government areas where surveillance and response efforts are being intensified.
In a statement, the state health commissioner emphasised that the rising number of cases has prompted urgent action to stem the spread of the disease. “We are deeply concerned about the trend we are seeing, and we are scaling up interventions across affected communities,” the commissioner said.
Lassa fever, transmitted to humans primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, often presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting and in severe cases, bleeding. Effective treatment depends on early detection and proper clinical care.
Health officials reiterated the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to maintain strict hygiene, safely store food, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with Lassa infection.
The ministry also noted that surveillance teams, rapid response units and case management facilities have been activated in hotspots, and that public education campaigns are underway to reduce transmission risks.
“The loss of life is tragic, and we extend our condolences to the families affected,” the statement added. “We urge everyone to take recommended precautions seriously as we work to control this outbreak.”
State authorities are collaborating with national public health bodies and international partners to monitor the situation, strengthen laboratory capacity and ensure that treatment centres are equipped to care for patients.
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