Benue Reports 3 Suspected Lassa Fever Deaths in One Week

• Benue State reported three suspected Lassa fever deaths and 12 potential cases in Okpokwu Local Government Area within one week
• Health Commissioner Dr. Yanmar Ortese emphasized that cases remain unconfirmed pending laboratory results and immediate containment measures

The Benue State government has reported three suspected Lassa fever deaths and 12 possible cases within a week.

Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, shared this update during a phone interview in Makurdi on Wednesday. He emphasized that the cases and deaths remain unconfirmed pending laboratory results.

The incidents were reported in Okpokwu Local Government Area. Ortese explained, “Three individuals died showing symptoms consistent with Lassa fever.

We have collected 12 samples from people who had close contact with them. Until the test results are available, these remain suspected cases.”

He assured the ministry’s emergency operations unit acted swiftly, quarantining the affected individuals to prevent further spread.

Currently, the state awaits confirmation from laboratory testing to determine if these are verified cases of Lassa fever.