Benue records one confirmed Lassa fever case in one month, no death – Health Commissioner

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government said it has recorded one laboratory-confirmed case of Lassa fever in the state within the last one month, with no death reported during the period.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Makurdi on the state’s Lassa fever situation report covering Epidemiological Week 27 from June 28, 2026, to date.

Ogwuche said despite the decline in the peak transmission season, the Ministry of Health and Human Services has maintained intensive disease surveillance and rapid response activities across the state’s 23 local government areas to guard against any resurgence of the disease.

He explained that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, making it necessary for the state to sustain early detection, laboratory testing, effective case management, infection prevention and control measures, as well as continuous public awareness campaigns.

The commissioner said the ministry investigated 45 suspected cases of Lassa fever during the period under review, but laboratory analysis confirmed only one positive case, while the remaining samples tested negative.

He noted that no Lassa fever-related death was recorded, describing the development as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s disease surveillance system, prompt response mechanism and improved clinical management.

Ogwuche attributed the outcome to the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, saying the government has continued to invest in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, healthcare delivery and strategic partnerships to strengthen the state’s health system.

He said the government has sustained measures such as continuous surveillance and prompt reporting of suspected cases, rapid laboratory confirmation, strengthened infection prevention and control practices in public and private health facilities, regular training of healthcare workers, and public enlightenment on environmental sanitation, food hygiene and rodent control.

The commissioner added that the ministry is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners to sustain the gains recorded in the state’s response to the disease.

He also said community engagement has been intensified through traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and the media to promote preventive practices, encourage early health-seeking behaviour and improve public awareness on Lassa fever prevention.

Ogwuche reassured residents that the state government is committed to protecting lives through sustained investments in disease prevention, surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems.

He urged members of the public to maintain good environmental sanitation, store food properly to prevent contamination by rodents, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, and immediately visit the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting or unexplained bleeding.

He noted that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain the most effective ways of improving survival and preventing the spread of Lassa fever.