Two people have died from Lassa fever in Benue State following a recent increase in reported cases of the viral disease. The deaths come barely days after health authorities confirmed the presence of new infections in parts of the state, raising fresh concerns among residents and health officials.
The Benue State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital. He said data from the state’s disease surveillance system shows that the number of suspected Lassa fever cases has risen to nine within the last two weeks.
According to him, out of the nine suspected cases, five have been confirmed positive through laboratory testing, while two of the confirmed cases have resulted in death.
“As we speak now, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever on our dashboard. About five are positive, and unfortunately, two of them have resulted in mortality,” Ogwuche said.
Lassa fever is a viral illness that is common in parts of Nigeria, especially during the dry season. The disease is mainly spread through contact with food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats. It can also be transmitted from person to person through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, especially in health care settings where infection prevention measures are weak.
Health authorities said the current cases in Benue State were mostly recorded in Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas. Ogwuche explained that while two of the cases originated from Buruku, they were diagnosed in Makurdi due to better access to testing facilities.
“The cases involved are in Buruku and Makurdi LGAs. Two cases came from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi. There are also cases involving two health workers,” he said.
The infection of health workers has raised additional concern, as it suggests possible exposure within health facilities. Experts say this often happens when protective equipment is not properly used or when cases are not identified early.
Lassa fever usually begins with symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can cause bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
Following the rise in cases, the Benue State Government says it has activated emergency public health measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Ogwuche said the Ministry of Health has mobilised its rapid response teams and activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
“As a ministry, we have responded appropriately. We have our incident rapid response team, activated our Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and put in place all necessary mechanisms,” he said.
He added that disease surveillance has been strengthened across all local government areas in the state. Surveillance officers have been placed on high alert to quickly identify suspected cases and ensure early treatment.
“One of the best ways to manage Lassa fever is early diagnosis and treatment. We have disease surveillance officers in all LGAs, and we have heightened their level of suspicion,” Ogwuche explained.
The commissioner also disclosed that two newly detected cases, though not showing symptoms yet, have been earmarked for isolation as a precautionary measure.
“The two cases are not symptomatic, but we want to take them into isolation so we can commence all management protocols,” he said.
Ogwuche urged residents of the state to take personal responsibility by improving hygiene and sanitation in their homes and communities. He warned that the dry season increases the risk of Lassa fever because bush burning drives rodents into homes in search of shelter and food.
“The people must pay attention to hygiene and sanitation. Avoid rodents, especially rats. During the dry season, when grasses are burnt, rodents seek shelter in homes. If food, especially raw food items, is left uncovered, it can become a source of infection,” he warned.
He advised residents to store food properly, cover cooked meals, and keep their surroundings clean. He also encouraged the use of rat-proof containers and the safe disposal of refuse to reduce rodent infestation.
The commissioner further appealed to the public to report early to health facilities if they notice symptoms such as persistent fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, general weakness, fatigue, or any form of bleeding.
“Early reporting can save lives. Do not stay at home or resort to self-medication when you notice unusual symptoms,” he said.
As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, the state government plans to hold a stakeholders’ meeting involving key health institutions and development partners. Ogwuche said the meeting would focus on coordination, resource mobilisation, and strengthening response strategies.
“We are involving the Federal Medical Centre, which hosts the molecular laboratory, the Teaching Hospital where the state isolation centre is located, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiology teams, and donor partners to ensure this deadly disease is contained,” he said.
Nigeria records Lassa fever cases every year, with outbreaks often peaking between November and April. According to health experts, factors such as poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited awareness contribute to the spread of the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) regularly issues public health advisories during peak seasons, urging states to step up surveillance and community engagement. Benue State has previously recorded Lassa fever cases, but health officials say early action can prevent a major outbreak.
Residents of affected areas have been advised to remain calm but vigilant, as authorities continue monitoring the situation. The state government says it will provide regular updates as efforts continue to control the spread of the virus and protect public health.
For now, health officials stress that community cooperation, early reporting of symptoms, and strict hygiene practices remain the most effective tools in the fight against Lassa fever in Benue State.