The Benue State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever, with three fatalities recorded among five confirmed cases out of 40 suspected infections.
Dr. Yanmar Otese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this announcement in Makurdi on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action to contain the disease.
Residents are advised to be vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
Early detection is critical for effective treatment. To prevent the spread of the disease, residents are urged to store food in sealed containers and maintain hygiene within and around their homes.
The government has deployed disease surveillance teams across the state’s 23 local government areas, who are on high alert and available for further information and assistance.
A 10-member national rapid response team from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been deployed to the state.
The government is implementing long-term strategies to strengthen public health infrastructure and prevent future outbreaks.
Residents, healthcare workers, and community leaders are urged to strictly adhere to preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
