KEY POINTS

• Benue State has declared a state of emergency due to a surge in Lassa fever infections and deaths.
• Over 250 suspected cases, about 45–46 confirmed infections, and at least 10 deaths have been recorded.
• Authorities have launched emergency measures including contact tracing, surveillance teams, PPE distribution, and treatment centers.

The government of Benue State has declared a state of emergency following a sharp increase in cases of Lassa Fever, raising concerns among health authorities and prompting urgent containment measures.

Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the decision during a high-level coordination meeting with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and international health partners, NCDC.

The meeting focused on assessing the severity of the outbreak, strengthening collaborative response strategies, and mobilizing additional resources to tackle the spread of the disease.

The Lassa fever outbreak was initially declared on February 3, 2026, but health officials say the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.

Early reports recorded about 56 suspected cases; however, current data indicate that the number has surged to more than 250 suspected infections. Of these, around 45 to 46 cases have been laboratory-confirmed, while at least 10 people have died from complications linked to the virus.

Health authorities revealed that some of the fatalities include frontline medical personnel such as doctors and nurses who contracted the virus while caring for infected patients. Their deaths have raised further concerns about occupational risks faced by healthcare workers during outbreaks of highly infectious diseases.

State Government Activates Range of Emergency Measures

In response to the worsening situation, the state government and health agencies have activated a range of emergency measures aimed at preventing further spread.

These include intensified contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to infected patients, as well as the deployment of surveillance teams across all 23 local government areas in the state.

Authorities have also distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals and clinics, while dedicated treatment centers are being established to manage confirmed cases.

The measures are expected to strengthen the state’s ability to diagnose, isolate, and treat infected individuals more effectively.

A strategic coordination meeting convened by the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services brought together public health officials, development partners, and humanitarian organizations to align efforts and scale up intervention strategies.

Participants pledged continued technical assistance, logistical support, and funding to ensure a comprehensive response to the outbreak.