The Benue State Government has announced that it recorded 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever between January and September 2025, with 13 deaths reported. State Epidemiologist Dr Asema Msuega 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 …
Benue Confirms 243 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, 13 Deaths
The Benue State Government has announced that it recorded 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever between January and September 2025, with 13 deaths reported.
State Epidemiologist Dr Asema Msuega 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,” he explained.
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He added that one of the victims was a health worker.
Msuega said the state Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), launched a community intervention project in August to curb the spread of the disease in identified hotspots.
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The project, he noted, focused on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and community clean-up exercises. It also involved sensitisation campaigns and training for health workers on case management and referral pathways.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
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