Benue confirms one Lassa fever case, records no death in one month

Benue State Government has announced that only one laboratory-confirmed case of Lassa fever was recorded over the past month, with no deaths reported during the period.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Makurdi on the state’s Lassa fever update for Epidemiological Week 27, covering June 28, 2026, to date.

According to Ogwuche, health officials investigated 45 suspected Lassa fever cases within the review period. Laboratory analysis confirmed only one infection, while all other samples returned negative results.

He explained that although the annual peak period for Lassa fever transmission has ended, the state government has continued intensive surveillance across all 23 local government areas because the disease remains endemic in Nigeria and isolated cases may still emerge.

The commissioner noted that surveillance activities have prioritised early identification of suspected infections, speedy laboratory diagnosis, prompt treatment of patients, improved infection prevention and control measures, alongside continuous public enlightenment campaigns.

Ogwuche credited the zero fatality record to the state’s effective disease surveillance network, swift emergency response system, and better clinical management of suspected Lassa fever cases.

He further stated that the government has maintained key preventive measures, including active disease surveillance, timely reporting and laboratory testing of suspected cases, stronger infection prevention protocols in both public and private health facilities, regular capacity-building programmes for healthcare workers, and expanded public awareness campaigns promoting environmental cleanliness, proper food handling, and rodent control.

The commissioner added that the ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners to reinforce disease prevention and emergency preparedness, noting that the ongoing interventions reflect a continued decline in Lassa fever transmission across Benue State.

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