A suspected Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has claimed the lives of three people and affected 12 others within just one week.
Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, confirmed the incidents, which occurred in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
While the reported deaths and cases are still based on suspicions, the state government is taking proactive measures to contain the situation. “No confirmed cases yet,” emphasized Dr. Ortese.
As a precautionary measure, 12 samples have been collected from individuals who had close contact with the deceased, and the emergency operations unit of the ministry has quarantined those affected.
Benue State has experienced Lassa fever outbreaks in the past. In 2024, the state recorded 63 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities.
