The Benue state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanimar Ortese, Tuesday confirmed that there is outbreak of Lassa fever between 1st November, 2023 to 2nd March, 2024.
He said report indicated that Benue state has a total of 725 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 55 confirmed cases with 13 deaths, and 2 probable cases with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6%.
He also also said the state is currently experiencing outbreaks of Measles, with 256 suspected cases and 31 confirmed cases across 5 local government areas and about 354 suspected cases of Buruli Ulcer across 11 LGAs are being investigated.
The commissioner who briefed journalists in Makurdi Tuesday said the local government areas worst hit for Lassa fever include, Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West, Gwer East, Okpokwu, Obi, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, and Ukum.
He noted that the figures of the Lassa fever cases are not just worrisome but call for collective action to stop the spread of the disease in the state.
He said in epidemiological week 6, the state also had the unfortunate incidence of detecting 4 infected persons in one of the IDP camps in the state.
He added that the IDPs population are highly vulnerable due to the overcrowding in congregate setting with poor hygiene.
He said it was fortunate that the disease outbreak response team intervened promptly and the confirmed cases were treated and their contacts were monitored for symptoms adding that they were asymptomatic and exited follow-up on 1st March, 2024.
The commissioner said the number of Lassa fever cases being experienced currently is the highest number of positive cases in the last 4 years.
“This has put pressure on the Treatment Centre in Benue State University Treatment Center as the cases passing through it have doubled.
“It is important at this point to add that, the State is also currently experiencing outbreaks of Measles, where we have 256 suspected cases and 31 confirmed cases across 5 local
government areas of Buruku Gwer west, Logo, Ushongo and Vandeikya,” he said.