Benue State has recorded nine fatalities from Lassa fever in the past two months, according to Dr. Sam Ngishe, the State Epidemiologist, who disclosed this information to journalists during a telephone conversation on Thursday.
This revelation follows the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement of 2,621 suspected cases of Lassa fever nationwide, resulting in 84 deaths and a case fatality rate of 18.6 percent.
Dr. Ngishe noted that the disease has affected 46 individuals, including healthcare workers and internally displaced persons, across various locations in the state. Four cases were identified among internally displaced persons at the Ortese IDP camp in Guma Local Government Area.
Lassa fever has spread to seven of the state’s 23 local government areas, namely Obi, Okpokwu, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Gwer East, and Ukum.
Dr. Ngishe emphasized that the deceased have been laid to rest in accordance with safe burial protocols. He acknowledged that the state’s fatality rate is currently above the national target of 10 percent and outlined ongoing efforts to reduce it.
These efforts include sustained intervention by the Federal Government through the World Bank and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as enhanced surveillance, risk communication, and laboratory support. Active surveillance is particularly focused on community settings such as the Ortese IDP camp, where overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a high rat population pose significant challenges.
Dr. Ngishe stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent a potential outbreak that could be difficult to contain given the conditions in the IDP camps.