At least seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever have been reported in Benue State, heightening concerns over a possible wider outbreak of the viral disease.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, confirmed the development on Monday during a briefing with journalists in Makurdi. He said samples from the affected individuals have been collected and sent to laboratories for confirmation.
Dr. Msuega noted that health authorities have intensified surveillance efforts across the state to enable early detection and rapid response to any confirmed cases.
He urged residents to adopt preventive measures, particularly proper food storage and effective rodent control, describing rodents as the primary transmitters of the Lassa fever virus.
According to him, maintaining clean surroundings, practicing good personal hygiene, and sustaining environmental sanitation are critical to reducing the risk of transmission.
The epidemiologist disclosed that the Ministry of Health and Human Services has stepped up grassroots sensitisation campaigns across the state. He said the awareness efforts focus on environmental hygiene, community clean-up exercises, and public education, especially in areas identified as high-risk.
Dr. Msuega reassured residents that health facilities across Benue are adequately prepared to manage suspected cases, adding that medical personnel have received appropriate training and emergency response teams are on standby.
He appealed for calm, advising the public against panic, and assured that the state government has the capacity to contain the situation.
He also encouraged residents to promptly report symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility, stressing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent further spread of the disease.