Benue State has recorded two additional deaths from Lassa Fever, just a week after seven people were reported infected.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Thursday in Makurdi, noting a recent surge in Lassa Fever cases over the past two weeks.
According to Dr. Ogwuche, the state now has nine suspected cases, with five testing positive, including the two fatalities. The infections are mainly concentrated in Buruku and Makurdi local government areas, and two health workers have also contracted the disease.
“As of now, there are nine suspected cases on our dashboard. About five are confirmed positive, and two have died. Two of the positive cases are from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry of Health has activated its rapid response team, public emergency health centers, and other necessary mechanisms to contain the outbreak.
He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation, avoid contact with rodents—which are the primary carriers of the disease—and take extra precautions during the dry season when rodents seek shelter in homes. Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment remain key in managing Lassa Fever.
