By Micah Jonah, February 28, 2026
Benue State is grappling with a severe Lassa fever outbreak, with the government confirming the deaths of 10 health workers, including five medical doctors. The state epidemiologist, Asema Msuega, reported 250 suspected cases, 45 of which have been confirmed.
The high infection rate among health workers points to human-to-human transmission, attributed to lapses in infection prevention and control measures.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, visited Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi to assess the situation. Chief Medical Director Stephen Hwande urged strict adherence to safety protocols, noting that the hospital had strengthened measures to curb further spread of the virus.
On the national level, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a rise in Lassa fever cases, highlighting challenges such as high specimen transport costs, weak reporting systems that slow detection and response. In Epidemiological Week 6 (2–8 February 2026), 74 new confirmed cases were recorded across eight states, with 15 deaths, including two healthcare workers, underscoring ongoing infection control concerns.
From Week 1 to Week 6 in 2026, Nigeria recorded 1,034 suspected cases, 240 confirmed cases, and 51 deaths among confirmed cases, resulting in a case fatality rate of 21.3% — slightly higher than the same period in 2025. Authorities continue to stress vigilance and strict adherence to preventive measures to contain the outbreak.
The Benue outbreak underscores urgent need to strengthen infection control protocols, provide robust support to frontline health workers across Nigeria.
