Benue State Declares Lassa Fever Outbreak Amid Rising Cases

Authorities in Benue State have declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a sharp increase in cases over the past four years.

Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, announced at a news conference in Makurdi on Monday that the state has recorded 40 suspected cases in 2024 alone, with five confirmed infections and three fatalities—resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 60%.

Dr. Ortese described Lassa fever as a serious viral disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected rats or their excrement. He stressed the urgent need for intervention to prevent further deaths:

“We are deeply concerned about the rising cases of Lassa fever in Benue. In just the first two months of this year, we have already recorded three deaths. This calls for immediate action from both the government and the people.”

The commissioner listed high fever, headache, sore throat, chest pain, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding as key symptoms of the disease.

To combat the outbreak, the state government has launched rodent control programs, environmental sanitation drives, and community clean-up efforts.

Dr. Ortese urged residents to:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Report any suspected cases immediately

The commissioner also raised alarm over the increasing number of snake bites in the state, revealing that 199 cases were reported at General Hospital, Gbajimgba in Guma Local Government Area between July and December 2024.