Benue Battles Rising Lassa Fever Threat as 383 Suspected Cases, 47 Confirmed Spark Public Health Alert!

Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Health authorities in Benue State have raised concerns over a growing outbreak of Lassa fever, following the confirmation of 47 cases out of 383 suspected infections recorded across the state. The latest figures, disclosed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, signal a renewed urgency for coordinated public health interventions in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that the increase in suspected cases reflects intensified surveillance and reporting efforts, but also underscores the persistent vulnerability of communities to the viral disease. He noted that while 47 cases have been laboratory confirmed, health officials are closely monitoring the remaining suspected cases to contain further spread.
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings lacking adequate infection prevention measures.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, has historically recorded periodic outbreaks due to environmental and socio economic factors that facilitate rodent human contact. Public health experts point to poor sanitation, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to healthcare as key drivers of transmission.
Dr. Ogwuche reiterated that the state government, in collaboration with national and international health partners, has activated emergency response protocols. These include intensified contact tracing, community sensitization campaigns, and the deployment of rapid response teams to affected local government areas.
“We are strengthening surveillance systems and ensuring that suspected cases are promptly identified and managed,” he said. “Public cooperation remains critical, especially in maintaining hygiene, reporting symptoms early, and avoiding practices that increase exposure to rodents.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has consistently identified Lassa fever as a priority public health challenge, particularly during the dry season when outbreaks tend to peak. According to previous NCDC situation reports, states such as Edo, Ondo, and Benue often account for a significant proportion of confirmed cases nationwide.
Healthcare workers in Benue have also been placed on high alert, with authorities urging strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols. Isolation centres have been equipped to manage confirmed cases, while laboratories continue to scale up diagnostic capacity to reduce delays in confirmation.
Public health analysts warn that underreporting in rural communities may mean the actual burden of the disease is higher than official figures suggest. They advocate for sustained investment in primary healthcare infrastructure, improved disease surveillance, and community based education to mitigate future outbreaks.
International health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have also stressed the importance of early detection and rapid response in containing Lassa fever outbreaks. While the disease has a case fatality rate of about 1% overall, severe cases can result in significantly higher mortality, particularly when treatment is delayed.
Residents of Benue State have been advised to adopt preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers, maintaining clean environments, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, or bleeding occur.
As the state navigates this latest outbreak, the situation highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s public health system, including the need for stronger disease preparedness frameworks and community resilience. Authorities maintain that with sustained vigilance and coordinated action, the spread of Lassa fever can be effectively curtailed.

Sources: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC); World Health Organization (WHO); Premium Times Nigeria; Vanguard Nigeria; The Guardian Nigeria.

Antiketu Musa

Musa Antiketu is a journalist with Sele Media Africa from Kogi State, Nigeria, driven by a deep commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives on current affairs, sports, and trending international news, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues. Currently pursuing a degree in History and International Studies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, she combines strong research ability with effective communication skills to produce engaging, impactful content that advances organizational goals while fostering her continuous professional growth.

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