Government has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever, with three fatalities recorded among five confirmed cases out of 40 suspected infections, In Benue.
Dr. Yanmar Otese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this known in Makurdi on Monday, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action to contain the disease.
“A comprehensive risk analysis has been conducted, leading to the official declaration of an outbreak in the state,” Dr. Otese stated.
He urged residents to be vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding, stressing that early detection is critical for effective treatment.
He assured the public that health authorities were working tirelessly to curb the spread and protect communities.
“Our government team is working relentlessly to contain the outbreak and protect public health,” he said, advising symptomatic individuals to seek immediate medical attention or call the emergency helpline at 08039294999.
The Commissioner added that disease surveillance teams across the state’s 23 local government areas are on high alert and available for further information and assistance.
He further revealed that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), had deployed a 10-member national rapid response team to the state.
Stating containment efforts, he stated that all suspected cases would be treated in strict isolation at designated centres to ensure timely care and prevent further spread.
To tackle the root cause of the infection, he announced the launch of an intensified rodent control initiative, including community cleanup campaigns and environmental sanitation efforts.
He advised residents to store food in sealed containers and maintain hygiene within and around their homes.
Reassuring the public, the commissioner affirmed that the government was implementing long-term strategies to strengthen public health infrastructure and prevent future outbreaks.
He urged citizens, healthcare workers, and community leaders to strictly adhere to preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
