Reporting by Vanguard indicates a worsening health crisis in Benue State, where a recent surge in Lassa fever cases has resulted in 10 fatalities. Health officials have confirmed 45 positive cases across several local government areas, prompting an emergency response from the state Ministry of Health.
The state government has activated isolation centers and launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures, such as proper food storage and hygiene. There are concerns that the outbreak could spread to neighboring states if not contained quickly.
Medical supplies and specialist teams have been requested from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to help manage the rising number of patients. Healthcare workers have also been placed on high alert for symptoms associated with the viral hemorrhagic fever.
The outbreak was validated by Daily Post, which reported that “hospitals in Makurdi are reaching capacity,” and Leadership, which quoted the State Health Commissioner saying, “we are doing everything possible to break the chain of transmission.”
Echotitbits take: Benue’s geography makes it a frequent hotspot for Lassa fever. The high fatality rate in this surge suggests a need for faster diagnostic tools at the local level. Watch for an NCDC national alert if cases begin to appear in the FCT or surrounding states.
Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/03/lassa-fever-surge-claims-10-lives-in-benue-45-cases-confirmed/, March 1, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
