By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Benue State Government has disclosed that three individuals have died in the past week due to suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 12 suspected cases currently under investigation.
Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this known on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Ortese, all the incidents were recorded in Okpokwu Local Government Area within a one-week period.
He stated, “No confirmed cases yet,” explaining that 12 samples had been collected from individuals who had close contact with the deceased.
He further added that the results of the tests would determine the nature of the cases.
The Commissioner assured the public that the ministry’s emergency operations unit promptly took action by isolating those affected as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains under close monitoring while awaiting test results to confirm whether the deaths and suspected cases are indeed due to Lassa fever.