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Benue records two deaths from Lassa fever; total suspected cases rise to nine
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Outbreak concentrated in Buruku and Makurdi LGAs, including two infected health workers
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State government activates emergency response, urges hygiene and early reporting
Two people have died from Lassa fever in Benue State, bringing the total number of suspected cases to nine, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has confirmed.
Speaking on Thursday in Makurdi, Ogwuche said five of the nine suspected cases have tested positive, while the fatalities occurred among the confirmed patients.
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The outbreak is largely concentrated in Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas, with two health workers among those infected. Two cases originated in Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi.
To contain the spread, the state government has activated its emergency response mechanisms, including the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and the Incident Rapid Response Team.
READ ALSO: Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 168 as Cases Hit 906 — NCDC
Ogwuche advised residents to maintain strict hygiene and sanitation practices, avoid rodents, and cover food items to prevent infection. He highlighted the increased risk during the dry season, when rodents seek shelter indoors.
Surveillance has been intensified across all local government areas to ensure early detection and treatment. Newly diagnosed patients, though currently asymptomatic, will be isolated and managed according to health protocols.
He urged residents to promptly report symptoms such as prolonged fever, weakness, fatigue, or bleeding. A stakeholders’ meeting involving the Federal Medical Centre, the Teaching Hospital isolation centre, WHO, state epidemiology teams, and donor partners will be convened to strengthen containment efforts.
“Early diagnosis and treatment remain the most effective ways to manage Lassa fever,” Ogwuche said.