Benue Reports 243 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, Partners with WHO for Intervention

Benue State has reported 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever since January 2025, with 13 recorded deaths. State Epidemiologist Asema Msuega disclosed that 18 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests, with five resulting in death.

Additionally, eight cases are classified as probable, including one death of a health worker. The state government, in partnership with the World Health Organization, launched a community intervention project in August 2025 to combat the spread of Lassa fever.

The project focuses on rodent control, environmental sanitation, community sensitization, and health worker training to manage and refer cases effectively, aiming to curb the disease's impact.