The Benue State Government has confirmed that three persons have lost their lives out of 40 suspected cases from outbreaks of Lassa Fever in the state.
Commissioner of Health and Human Services in Benue State, Dr Yanmar Ortese who revealed this at a press conference in Makurdi, explained that the three fatalities were from five (5) confirmed, out of 40 suspected Lassa fever cases in the state.
Yanmar stressed that the deaths represents 60 per cent Case Fatality Rate, resulting in a comprehensive risk analysis that necessitated the declaration of Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State.
“This represents a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 60%, and in light of these alarming figures, a comprehensive risk analysis was conducted, and today (Monday), we officially declare a Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State,” the commissioner said.
Yanmar said the declaration serves as a call for immediate, coordinated, and collaborative action to safeguard the communities towards effectively managing the situation.
