By Peter Duru
Benue State Government has announced that only one laboratory-confirmed case of Lassa fever was recorded in the state in the past month, with no fatality, attributing the outcome to sustained disease surveillance, prompt response and improved case management.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi while speaking on the state’s Lassa fever situation report covering Epidemiological Week 27 to date, beginning from June 28, 2026.
According to the commissioner, although the peak transmission season had passed, the ministry had maintained a high level of vigilance because Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria and isolated cases could occur at any time.
He explained that surveillance activities had continued across the state’s 23 local government areas, focusing on early case detection, prompt laboratory confirmation, effective case management, strengthened infection prevention and control measures, as well as sustained public sensitisation.
