Benue State Intensifies Lassa Fever Response Amidst National Outbreak
Benue State is bolstering its efforts to combat the Lassa fever outbreak, aligning with national strategies to curb the disease's spread. The state has seen a significant number of suspected and confirmed cases, making it one of the five most affected states in Nigeria, alongside Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo. As of mid-March 2026, Benue State had recorded 383 suspected cases and 47 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. While no deaths have been reported in the 11 days leading up to March 17, 2026, the cumulative mortality since the outbreak began in the state stands at 14. Recent laboratory findings indicate a notable drop in new infections, with only six cases confirmed in the last 11 days out of the total 47 [4, 11, 12].
The state government, in collaboration with partners such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has been actively strengthening its response mechanisms. This includes deploying 23 surveillance officers across all 23 local government areas to enhance monitoring, contact tracing, and community engagement [9]. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have been reinforced in priority healthcare facilities, with over 125 health workers trained in case identification and IPC protocols [6]. Laboratories are equipped to handle a high volume of samples for early detection and prompt treatment [4, 11].
Nationally, Nigeria has reported a high case fatality rate (CFR) of approximately 25.1% to 25.2% between January and mid-March 2026, which is significantly higher than in the previous year [3, 7]. As of March 29, 2026, the country had recorded 637 laboratory-confirmed cases and 160 deaths nationwide, with 85% of these concentrated in the five most affected states [3, 5]. A concerning aspect of the current outbreak is the continued infection of healthcare workers, with 39 reported cases nationwide as of mid-March 2026 [3].
In Benue State, 14 healthcare workers have been infected, resulting in two fatalities since the outbreak commenced [4]. Currently, 20 patients are receiving treatment in isolation centers across the state, with 14 at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) and six at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi [4, 11].
Efforts are also underway to extend awareness campaigns to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, with plans to distribute informational materials to 15 camps across the state. The state government has emphasized the importance of prompt reporting of symptoms at designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, stressing that timely intervention is critical in reducing fatalities [4, 9, 11]. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to curb the further spread of Lassa fever.
The state government, in collaboration with partners such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has been actively strengthening its response mechanisms. This includes deploying 23 surveillance officers across all 23 local government areas to enhance monitoring, contact tracing, and community engagement [9]. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have been reinforced in priority healthcare facilities, with over 125 health workers trained in case identification and IPC protocols [6]. Laboratories are equipped to handle a high volume of samples for early detection and prompt treatment [4, 11].
Nationally, Nigeria has reported a high case fatality rate (CFR) of approximately 25.1% to 25.2% between January and mid-March 2026, which is significantly higher than in the previous year [3, 7]. As of March 29, 2026, the country had recorded 637 laboratory-confirmed cases and 160 deaths nationwide, with 85% of these concentrated in the five most affected states [3, 5]. A concerning aspect of the current outbreak is the continued infection of healthcare workers, with 39 reported cases nationwide as of mid-March 2026 [3].
In Benue State, 14 healthcare workers have been infected, resulting in two fatalities since the outbreak commenced [4]. Currently, 20 patients are receiving treatment in isolation centers across the state, with 14 at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) and six at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi [4, 11].
Efforts are also underway to extend awareness campaigns to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, with plans to distribute informational materials to 15 camps across the state. The state government has emphasized the importance of prompt reporting of symptoms at designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, stressing that timely intervention is critical in reducing fatalities [4, 9, 11]. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to curb the further spread of Lassa fever.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.