Plateau State Confirms 11 Lassa Fever Cases, Four Deaths
The Plateau State Government has confirmed 11 cases of Lassa fever across seven local government areas, resulting in four fatalities since the outbreak began in December 2025. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, announced the figures during a press briefing in Jos on Saturday, underscoring the persistent challenge of containing the viral haemorrhagic fever.
The affected areas include Qua’an Pan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu. Dr. Baamlong stated that the outbreak was first detected on December 20, 2025, following a reported case in Qua’an Pan. An incident management team was immediately activated, tracing approximately 69 initial contacts. From these, 16 suspected cases emerged, leading to the current tally of 11 laboratory-confirmed infections after extensive testing.
Tragically, the outbreak has claimed four lives in major health facilities: two at Jos University Teaching Hospital, one at Plateau Specialist Hospital, and one at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Among the deceased are two health workers who contracted the disease while treating patients. A third medical doctor is currently under admission and receiving treatment. These casualties highlight the significant risk healthcare personnel face when managing Lassa fever cases without adequate protection.
In response, state health authorities have intensified containment measures. A total of 109 contacts are now under active follow-up and monitoring. Rapid response teams have been deployed to affected communities to conduct active case searches and enhance surveillance. The Ministry has also launched a public health enlightenment campaign to educate residents on prevention and early recognition of symptoms, a critical step in suppressing transmission.
Dr. Baamlong assured that essential medical supplies are available. Antiviral drugs for treatment and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed to designated treatment centres, specifically Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital, to safeguard both patients and healthcare workers.
Lassa fever is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, and is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Person-to-person spread can occur in healthcare or household settings via direct contact with bodily fluids. The Plateau State Government’s confirmed figures and ongoing response reflect the broader regional effort to control seasonal outbreaks, which often surge during the dry season. The public health alert serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance, rodent control, and strict adherence to infection prevention protocols in communities and clinics alike.
