Lassa Fever Alert: Benue Confirms Seven New Suspected Cases
Benue State has recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Asema Msuega, disclosed on Sunday.
Dr Msuega confirmed that samples from the affected individuals have been collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis and confirmation, as health authorities move to contain a potential outbreak of the deadly viral haemorrhagic illness.
The development has prompted immediate public health response measures by the state government, with officials closely monitoring the situation across communities as results of the tests are awaited.
Speaking on the latest cases, Dr Msuega stated that “samples of the seven new suspected cases have been taken for confirmation,” adding that health authorities are maintaining surveillance protocols to track any further developments and ensure swift intervention.
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Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats, commonly known as multimammate rats. The disease can also spread from person to person through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of an infected individual.
Nigeria has long been classified as a Lassa fever-endemic country, with seasonal outbreaks occurring particularly during the dry season between November and May. The disease was first identified in 1969 in the town of Lassa in Borno State, from which it derives its name. Since then, recurring outbreaks have claimed hundreds of lives across multiple states, with Benue, Ondo, Edo, and Ebonyi frequently reporting cases.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge in the country, with thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of confirmed infections recorded annually. The case fatality rate among confirmed cases typically ranges between 15 and 20 per cent, though early detection and supportive clinical care can significantly improve survival outcomes.
Dr Msuega has called on members of the public to adopt preventive measures, particularly proper food storage practices to protect items from rodent contamination. “Food items should be properly covered and protected from rodents, which are known carriers of the Lassa fever virus,” he said, emphasising that simple hygiene practices can drastically reduce the risk of infection.
The State Epidemiologist assured residents that the Ministry of Health and Human Services has intensified community sensitisation campaigns across Benue to curb the spread of the disease. He stated that the ministry has embarked on an awareness drive focusing on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and regular clean-up exercises, with special attention being given to areas identified as Lassa fever hotspots.
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Public health experts have consistently stressed that environmental sanitation and rodent control remain the most effective preventive strategies against Lassa fever. The use of rodent-proof containers for storing grains and foodstuffs, proper disposal of refuse, and maintaining clean surroundings are critical interventions that can interrupt transmission cycles.
Dr Msuega further assured that healthcare facilities across the state have been adequately equipped to handle suspected cases. He noted that health workers have received the necessary training and are well prepared to provide appropriate medical services, adding that rapid response teams are on standby to manage any confirmed cases and prevent further transmission within communities.
The readiness of healthcare facilities is crucial, as Lassa fever patients require supportive care, including rehydration, management of symptoms, and in some cases, the antiviral drug ribavirin, which has been shown to be effective when administered early in the course of the illness.
The epidemiologist advised residents to promptly report symptoms such as fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility. “Early detection is key to effective treatment and control of the disease,” he stressed, urging the public not to delay seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.
Initial symptoms of Lassa fever are often non-specific and include fever, general weakness, malaise, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the disease can progress to facial swelling, fluid accumulation in body cavities, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina, or gastrointestinal tract, low blood pressure, shock, seizures, tremor, disorientation, and coma.
The outbreak has raised renewed concern among health authorities and residents of Benue State, particularly as the country continues to grapple with multiple public health challenges. The timing of the suspected cases aligns with the seasonal pattern of Lassa fever transmission, which typically peaks during the dry season when rodents are driven closer to human habitats in search of food and water.
Benue State has experienced previous outbreaks of Lassa fever, with cases reported intermittently over the years. The state’s largely agrarian population, coupled with the widespread storage of grains and other agricultural produce in homes, creates conducive conditions for rodent infestation and potential exposure to the virus.
Public health authorities have continued to emphasise the importance of community participation in disease prevention and control. Beyond individual hygiene practices, collective efforts in waste management, drainage clearance, and bush clearing around residential areas are essential to reducing rodent populations and minimising human exposure to the Lassa virus.
As laboratory results for the seven suspected cases are awaited, health officials in Benue have reiterated their commitment to transparency and timely communication with the public.