Lassa fever: Benue records 383 suspected, 47 confirmed cases

2026-03-17 - 19:24

...records zero deaths in 11 days By Peter Duru, Makurdi The Benue State Government has announced that no deaths from Lassa fever have been recorded in the past 11 days, even as the state continues to monitor and respond to the outbreak. The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Makurdi, revealed that the state had so far recorded 383 suspected cases, with 47 confirmed positive cumulatively. According to the commissioner, recent laboratory findings indicate a significant drop in new infections, with only six cases confirmed out of samples tested within the last 11 days. “We have not recorded any mortality in the last 11 days. So far, the cumulative number of suspected cases has increased from 251 to 383, while confirmed cases stand at 47,” Ogwuche said. He further noted that infections among health workers remain at 14, with two fatalities recorded since the outbreak began in the state. Ogwuche also disclosed that 20 patients were currently receiving treatment in isolation centres, with 14 at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) and six at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi. The commissioner attributed the decline in fatality and infection rates to intensified public sensitisation, early detection, and the collaborative efforts of development partners. “The rate has dropped drastically due to aggressive surveillance and case tracking. We are actively searching for suspected cases, and the number of positives is now much lower compared to before,” he stated. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with key health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), noting that surveillance activities were active across all 23 local government areas of the state. “We hold regular coordination meetings with WHO, NCDC, and the Emergency Operations Centre. Surveillance is ongoing across the 23 LGAs, and health workers are being trained continuously on infection prevention and control,” he added. Ogwuche stressed that early reporting and treatment had played a critical role in reducing mortality. “The earlier patients present themselves, the better the outcome. The low mortality rate shows that cases are being identified early at the community level and promptly managed,” he said. He also assured that the state government, alongside its partners, had strengthened laboratory capacity and response mechanisms to ensure prompt detection and treatment of cases. “The government has provided funding support, enabling us to sustain response efforts. All response pillars, including infection prevention and control, are fully operational, and our laboratories are equipped to detect cases early,” Ogwuche explained. The commissioner further revealed that no outbreak has been recorded in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, adding that plans were underway to distribute information and awareness campaign materials to 15 camps across the state. “The message has reached all 23 LGAs, and people are now more aware of preventive measures. We are also set to distribute information materials to IDP camps to further strengthen awareness,” he said.