7 new cases of Lassa fever recorded in Benue

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Seven new suspected cases of Lassa Fever has been recorded in Benue State, raising renewed fears and concerns among health authorities and residents over the spread of the viral disease.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, disclosed this in Makurdi, noting that samples from the affected individuals have already been collected and sent for laboratory analysis for confirmation.
He said health authorities were closely monitoring the situation while “the samples of the seven new suspected cases have been taken for confirmation.”
Dr. Msuega urged residents to take preventive measures, particularly by ensuring that food items are properly covered and protected from rodents, which are known carriers of the Lassa Fever virus.
He stressed that simple hygiene practices would significantly reduce the risk of infection, assuring that the Ministry of Health and Human Services has intensified community sensitisation campaigns across the state to curb the spread of the disease.
He stated that the awareness drive focuses on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and regular clean-up exercises.