By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever, with three deaths recorded out of five confirmed cases from a total of 40 suspected cases.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Otese, announced this during a press conference in Makurdi on Monday.
Dr. Otese stated that a comprehensive risk analysis had been conducted, leading to the official declaration of an outbreak in the state.
He emphasised that the declaration serves as a call for immediate, coordinated action to safeguard communities and manage the situation effectively.
He urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and inexplicable bleeding, noting that early detection is crucial for timely treatment.
“Our government team is working relentlessly to contain the outbreak and protect public health,” he assured, urging anyone experiencing symptoms to visit the nearest healthcare facility or call the emergency helpline at 080 39 29 49 99 for guidance.
Dr. Otese further stated that additional information could be obtained from disease surveillance and notification offices across the 23 local government areas.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has deployed a 10-member national rapid response team to the state.
He stressed that all suspected cases would be managed under strict isolation protocols at designated treatment centers to ensure prompt care and prevent further transmission.
To address the primary source of infection, he announced the launch of an enhanced rodent control initiative, including community cleanup campaigns and environmental sanitation drives.
He urged residents to store food in sealed containers and maintain cleanliness in and around their homes.
The commissioner assured that the government is implementing long-term measures to strengthen public health infrastructure and prevent future outbreaks.
He called on citizens, health professionals, and community leaders to adhere strictly to preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
