Lassa Fever Outbreak Claims 18 Lives in Benue State

Benue State is facing a serious Lassa fever outbreak that has resulted in 18 confirmed deaths. Health officials reported a total of 620 suspected cases across nine local government areas, with 70 of those confirmed as Lassa fever.

Dr. Cephas Hough, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, shared this information on Wednesday in Makurdi during the start of a two-day review meeting focused on the state’s response to the outbreak. The meeting is titled “Reviewing Our Response, Strengthening Our Readiness.”

Dr. Hough praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for his efforts in improving the speed of sample collection and results release, thanks to collaboration with various partners. He also promised that the ministry would act on the recommendations made during the review.

Attendees included representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Nigerian Red Cross, among others.

Dr. Msuega Asema, the Benue State Epidemiologist, noted that the first case of Lassa fever this year was reported on January 9. Most of the confirmed cases have been among people aged between 25 and 44 years, affecting both men and women.