Monday, January 19, 2026 - At least seven fresh suspected cases of Lassa fever have emerged in Benue State, intensifying public concern over a potential wider outbreak of the viral illness.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, confirmed the
development during a briefing with journalists in Makurdi, explaining that
samples from the affected individuals have been taken and dispatched for
laboratory testing.
According to Msuega, health officials are maintaining
heightened vigilance, with surveillance activities expanded to ensure swift
identification and response to any confirmed infections.
He urged the public to prioritise preventive habits,
particularly safe food storage and measures to keep rodents away, describing
them as the major transmitters of the Lassa fever virus.
He also stated the importance of maintaining sanitary
environments, practicing good hygiene and sustaining effective rodent control
efforts, which he said are essential to lowering the chances of transmission.
Msuega noted that the Ministry of Health and Human Services
has intensified grassroots sensitisation campaigns statewide.
He explained that the ongoing awareness initiatives are
centred on environmental hygiene, community clean-up activities and broad
public enlightenment, especially in locations flagged as high-risk zones for
Lassa fever.
The epidemiologist reassured residents that medical centres
across Benue are well-prepared to handle suspected cases, adding that health
personnel have undergone necessary training and emergency response units are
already on alert.
Msuega appealed for calm among residents, advising against
panic and affirming that the government is adequately equipped to manage the
situation.
He further encouraged citizens to immediately report
symptoms such as fever, weakness or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health
facility, stressing that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment
outcomes and helps curb the spread of the disease.
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