Benue State has recently seen a concerning rise in Lassa fever cases, with a total of 46 cases and nine fatalities reported across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Dr. Terungwa Ngishe, the State Epidemiologist, revealed this alarming trend in Makurdi, emphasizing the urgent need for intensified efforts to contain the outbreak.
The affected LGAs include Obi, Okpokwu, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Gwer East, and Ukum, with some cases notably recorded within an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
Dr. Ngishe underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting that the infection rate surpasses last year’s figures.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Ngishe assured the public of ongoing efforts to address the outbreak, with support from the Federal Government, World Bank, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
These collaborative efforts focus on enhancing surveillance, risk communication, laboratory capabilities, and overall coordination.
Regarding fatalities, Dr. Ngishe expressed a commitment to reducing the fatality rate to below 10%, aligning with national expectations.
He also provided insights into the timeline of the outbreak, indicating that the first case was noticed in week 50 of the previous year.
Of particular concern is the occurrence of cases within the IDP camp, specifically the Ortese IDP camp, where conditions such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and malnutrition exacerbate the risk of transmission. Active surveillance measures are being implemented to mitigate further spread within the camp and surrounding communities.
Dr. Ngishe emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to the outbreak, including the presence of rats, known vectors of Lassa fever.
Collaboration with partners is essential to prevent a humanitarian crisis and contain the outbreak effectively.
As the state grapples with this public health challenge, Dr. Ngishe called for additional personnel to bolster response efforts, underscoring the importance of timely and coordinated action to safeguard the health and well-being of all residents.
