Benue State health authorities have recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the viral disease in one of Nigeria’s most affected states.
The Benue State Epidemiologist, Asema Msuega, who disclosed this on Sunday, said samples had been collected from all seven patients and sent for laboratory confirmation. He spoke with The PUNCH while providing an update on the situation.
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“We have recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, and samples from all the patients have already been taken and sent for confirmation,” Mr Msuega said.
He added that the state had activated immediate public health response measures to contain any possible outbreak.
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According to him, health authorities are closely monitoring developments across the state, stressing that early detection remains critical.
“Our teams are on alert, and we are tracking the situation very closely to ensure that any confirmed case is promptly isolated and managed,” he said.
Mr Msuega urged residents to adopt basic preventive measures, particularly protecting food from rodents, which are the primary carriers of the Lassa fever virus.
“People must ensure that food items are properly covered and stored in rodent-proof containers. Simple hygiene practices can drastically reduce the risk of infection,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Health and Human Services had intensified community sensitisation campaigns across Benue, with a focus on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and regular clean-up exercises.
“We are paying special attention to areas identified as Lassa fever hotspots,” he added.
The epidemiologist also assured residents that healthcare facilities across the state were prepared to handle suspected cases.
“Our health workers have been trained, facilities are equipped, and rapid response teams are on standby to manage confirmed cases and prevent further transmission,” he said.
Residents were advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding.
“Early reporting saves lives and helps us control the spread,” Mr Msuega said.
Benue is one of Nigeria’s high-burden states for Lassa fever.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2024, the state recorded 1,051 suspected cases and 67 confirmed cases.
As of 10 August 2025, Benue had already reported 155 suspected cases and 14 confirmed cases, with five deaths and a case fatality rate of about 36 per cent.
WHO also noted that Lassa fever remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Between 1 January and 10 August 2025, Nigeria recorded more than 6,900 suspected cases, including 849 confirmed cases and 159 deaths.
In response to the recurring outbreaks, WHO, in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, launched community-level sensitisation campaigns in 45 high-risk communities across five wards in Makurdi Local Government Area in August 2025.
The outreach targeted markets, places of worship, and other public spaces to promote early detection and prevention.
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“Lassa fever has been a recurring threat to our people,” said Asema Paul, the state epidemiologist at the Benue State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, in an earlier WHO report.
“Sensitisation is critical in breaking the cycle of transmission.”
WHO’s North Central Zone Coordinator, Asma’i Zeenat, also emphasised that prevention is more effective than treatment.
“Treatment is costly and mortality is high, but prevention is far more effective,” she said, underscoring the importance of community engagement.
The latest suspected cases come amid renewed public concern over health and security challenges in Benue State, where authorities are grappling with outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases alongside persistent insecurity.
Health officials say sustained vigilance, early reporting, and community cooperation remain key to preventing another major Lassa fever outbreak in the state.
