By Amos Aar
STATE Epidemiologist and Manager of the Benue State Public Health and Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC), Dr. Msuega Asema, has disclosed that 15 cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed, with six fatalities and nine probable deaths linked to the disease.
Dr Asema, who made the disclosure on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the review and validation of a graphic storybook and other Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for Lassa Fever in Makurdi, also noted that while Lassa Fever is more prevalent during the dry season, cases have continued to emerge during the rainy season, necessitating sustained vigilance.
“We have not deactivated our response because we are still having cases despite the change in the year’s season. It’s an outbreak that is commonest during dry season. But we do have cases, especially last year and this year, we have significant numbers of cases during rainy season,” Dr Asema said.
He further detailed the transmission route, attributing infections to contamination by the Multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), whose excreta can taint improperly stored or processed food.
“Consumption of uncooked or poorly handled food, such as garri, poses significant risks. Proper food storage, covering, and avoiding open-air drying near rodent-prone areas are critical preventive measures,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged members of the public to shift from reactive to proactive measures in the fight against Lassa Fever.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the State WHO Coordinator, Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, said the aim of the engagement was to brainstorm on why the outbreak has persisted across Benue State for up to six years.
He lamented that the disease is spreading rapidly and stressed the need for an attitudinal change in health and nutritional practices to prevent infections rather than focusing solely on treatment.
In his presentation, a facilitator and One Health Coordinator in Benue State, Dr. Jerry Agber, urged people not to ignore unusual fevers, warning that Lassa Fever is real. He advised the public to keep food covered and visit the hospital immediately when symptoms arise.
