Lassa fever death toll in Benue now 13

The Commissioner of Health and Human Resources, Benue State, Dr Yanmar Ortese has stated that the   outbreak of lassa fever in the state is becoming worrisome with the death toll rises to 13.

Also, the confirmed cases of the disease has also jumped to 55.

Dr Ortese disclosed  this on Tuesday while giving report of the current outbreak of Epidemiology week 9.

It will be recalled that the State Epidemiologist, Dr Sam Ngishe had last week stated  that nine deaths were recorded from the 46 confirmed cases of lassa fever.

According to the Commissioner, “The State’s Situation Report of the current outbreak from 1% November, 2023 to 2nd March, 2024(Epidemiology week 9), shows a total of 725 suspected cases, 55 confirmed cases with 13 deaths, 2 probable cases and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6%.

Also Read: Benue records 46 Lassa fever cases, nine deaths

He added that the disease had spread to nine local government areas of the state.

He identified the nine LGAs affected to include,   Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West, Gwer East, Okpokwu, Obi, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, and Ukum.

The Commissioner added that the state is currently experiencing  outbreaks of Measles with  256 suspected cases suspected and 31 confirmed cases across 5 Local Government Areas.

The affected LGAs are,  Buruku Gwer West, Logo, Ushongo and Vandeikya.

He said the State team had responded to the situation and the surveillance officers were  following the events very closely.

He added that the ministry is also investigating about 354 suspected cases of Buruli Ulcer across 11 LGAs.