Lassa fever outbreak kills 3 people in Benue State

Benue State Government has confirmed Lassa fever outbreak following concern over rise in cases in the past four years.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Yanmar Ortese, who confirmed this in Makurdi, said that this year alone, the state has recorded 40 suspected cases, with five confirmed infections and three deaths, translating to 60% Case Fatality Rate, CFR.

Ortese said Lassa fever remains a severe viral disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their excreta.

He noted that the symptoms include high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

MUST READ:NCDC Raises Alarm Over Increase In Lassa Fever Cases

To curb infections in the state the government has launched rodent control initiatives, including community clean-up campaigns and environmental sanitation drives.

He advised residents to store food in sealed containers, maintain hygiene, and report any suspected cases immediately.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner also raised alarm over the increasing rate of snake bites in the state, citing 199 cases recorded in only General Hospital Gbajimgba in Guma LGA alone between July and December 2024.

(Editor: Terverr Tyav)