Benue State has recorded rising cases of Lassa fever deaths in Benue as two residents have lost their lives to the disease. The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, spoke to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday about the situation. He said the outbreak has worsened over the past two weeks and that authorities are responding to contain its spread.
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According to Dr. Ogwuche, health officials now list nine people as suspected cases of Lassa fever deaths in Benue. Out of these, five have tested positive for the virus and two have died. He confirmed that two of the positive cases involve health workers, adding further concern to the outbreak.
The commissioner identified Makurdi and Buruku local government areas as the most affected zones. He explained that the two newly confirmed cases came from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi. These details underline how the disease moves between communities within the state.
Dr. Ogwuche said the state government activated its rapid response team and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to fight the outbreak. He stressed that preventing Lassa fever deaths in Benue depends on both government action and public cooperation. Health officials have intensified campaigns to inform people about the disease and how it spreads.
He urged residents to keep their environment clean and to avoid contact with rodents, especially rats. Rats carry the Lassa virus and spread it through urine, droppings, and saliva. The commissioner said outbreaks often grow worse during the dry season when rodents move into homes searching for food and shelter.
Dr. Ogwuche added that the two newly confirmed patients are not yet showing symptoms, but health workers have isolated them so treatment can begin early. He reminded the public that early diagnosis and prompt medical care remain the best ways to prevent Lassa fever deaths in Benue.
The commissioner outlined possible symptoms, including prolonged fever, weakness, fatigue, and bleeding from any part of the body. He said the ministry is strengthening laboratory capacity and will meet with health partners, the Federal Medical Centre, the teaching hospital isolation centre, the World Health Organisation, and epidemiologists to build a stronger response.
Officials say that with heightened surveillance and community education, they hope to halt further Lassa fever deaths in Benue and protect vulnerable residents throughout the state.