The Benue state government has reported 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever since January 2025, with 13 deaths recorded.

State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, who gave the update said 18 of the cases were confirmed through laboratory tests.

“Of the deaths, five were from confirmed cases while eight were classified as probable. Probable deaths are those of persons suspected to have Lassa fever who died before samples could be taken,” Dr. Msuega explained. He added that one of the victims was a health worker.

Msuega said the state ministry of health partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in August 2025 to launch a community intervention project in Lassa fever hotspots, in an effort to check the spread of the disease.

According to him, the project focused on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and clean-up exercises. It also involved community sensitisation and the training of health workers on case management and referral pathways.