In response to a sharp rise in Lassa fever cases and related fatalities, the Benue State government has declared a state of emergency to intensify containment efforts against the viral hemorrhagic disease and other infectious threats.
Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the declaration during a high-level advocacy and coordination meeting with a delegation from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), alongside international health partners.
The visit focused on assessing the outbreak's scope, reinforcing collaborative strategies, and mobilizing additional resources for surveillance, case management, and community awareness.
The outbreak, officially declared by state health authorities on February 3, 2026, has seen a steady increase in infections. Initial reports cited 56 suspected cases, with several confirmed and a handful of deaths. More recent updates indicate over 250 suspected cases, around 45–46 confirmed infections, and at least 10 deaths including multiple healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses who contracted the virus while treating patients.
Health officials have activated emergency response measures, including enhanced contact tracing, deployment of surveillance teams across all 23 local government areas, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishment of dedicated treatment centers.
A strategic meeting convened by the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services brought together stakeholders to align on intensified interventions, with partners pledging continued technical and logistical support.
Governor Alia emphasized his administration's commitment to public health, aligning the response with broader goals to strengthen healthcare delivery and protect residents. Authorities have urged the public to adopt preventive measures such as proper food storage to avoid rodent contact, early medical consultation for symptoms like fever, headache, and sore throat, and strict hygiene practices while assuring that the situation is under active management to curb further spread.
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