By Ruth Ogbodu
Benue State’s Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, confirmed on Monday that the state recorded 26 deaths from Lassa fever in 2024, with additional suspected cases also reported.
He shared that three members of the same family died from a suspected case of Lassa fever in Okpokwu Local Government Area, a tragedy that occurred two weeks ago.
Dr. Asema, who also manages the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, explained that both Lassa fever and the Ebola virus are zoonotic diseases, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans and share similar symptoms.
He further clarified the term “probable death,” stating that it refers to cases where a patient dies without a sample being taken for testing, but when family members later show symptoms, it is often linked to Lassa fever.
Out of the 26 deaths, he noted that 11 were confirmed Lassa fever cases, while the others were classified as probable deaths.
Dr. Asema, reflecting on the state’s history with Lassa fever over the past three years, urged the public to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with anyone who has severe fever and does not respond to treatment, as such symptoms are often indicative of Lassa fever.
