The Benue State Government has stated that only one of the 45 suspected cases of Lassa fever investigated in the state tested positive.
Disclosing this to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry had investigated 45 suspected cases of Lassa fever during epidemiological Week 27, from 28 June 2026 to the date of the announcement.
He explained that although the peak transmission season had subsided, the ministry had deliberately sustained a high level of vigilance, noting that Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria and sporadic cases could occur at any time.
According to the commissioner, ‘During the period under review, the ministry investigated forty-five suspected cases of Lassa fever covering epidemiological Week 27, and laboratory analysis confirmed only one positive case, while the remaining suspected cases tested negative.’
Dr Ogwuche, however, announced that no Lassa fever-related deaths had been recorded during the reporting period, describing the outcome as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s disease surveillance system, prompt response mechanisms and improved clinical management.
The commissioner attributed the encouraging progress to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, whose administration, he said, had continued to prioritise investments in the health sector through strengthened disease surveillance, improved emergency preparedness, enhanced healthcare service delivery and strategic partnerships aimed at protecting the lives of the people of the state.
He stated that the ministry had sustained a comprehensive response strategy to prevent any resurgence of the disease. The measures included continuous surveillance and prompt reporting of suspected cases, rapid laboratory investigation and confirmation, and strengthened infection prevention and control practices in both public and private health facilities.
He listed other measures as regular training and mentoring of healthcare workers, sustained public enlightenment on environmental sanitation, food hygiene and rodent control, as well as close collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other development partners.
Dr Ogwuche further disclosed that the ministry had intensified community engagement through traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and the media to promote preventive practices, encourage early health-seeking behaviour and strengthen public awareness of Lassa fever prevention and control.
He assured the people of the state that the present administration remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of every citizen through sustained investments in disease prevention, surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems.
The commissioner further assured residents that health facilities across the state remained adequately equipped and prepared to respond swiftly to any suspected case.
He, however, urged residents to complement government efforts by maintaining good environmental sanitation, storing food properly to prevent contamination by rodents, avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta, and promptly reporting to the nearest health facility if they experienced symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting or unexplained bleeding.
He emphasised that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remained the most effective means of improving survival and preventing the spread of Lassa fever.