Lassa Fever Outbreak in Benue State Claims 10 Lives

The Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has escalated, with the death toll reaching 10, as reported by state epidemiologist Dr. Msuega Asema on Friday. During a visit to the isolation center at Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuch, the state commissioner for health, confirmed that 45 cases have been positively identified among 250 suspected cases.

The outbreak, formally declared on February 3, has significantly impacted health workers, with four fatalities among them. The state government is mobilizing resources and has deployed surveillance officers across 23 local government areas to monitor and trace contacts.

Health officials are appealing to the public to report symptoms early for timely diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing that early intervention is critical to reducing fatalities. The situation has been exacerbated by inadequate power supply affecting laboratory services, and health workers have been commended for their dedication amid the crisis.