The Plateau State Government has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak across seven local government areas, with 11 positive cases and four fatalities recorded since December 2025. The声明 was made by State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, during a press briefing in Jos.
The outbreak was first identified on December 20, 2025, following a case in Quanpan Local Government Area. An incident management team was immediately activated. Initial contact tracing around the first cases identified 69 contacts, leading to 16 suspected cases and five confirmations. This brings the total confirmed cases in the state to eleven to date.
The fatality count includes two deaths at Jos University Teaching Hospital, one at Plateau Specialist Hospital, and one at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Notably, one death was Dr. Salome Oboyi, a senior resident doctor at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, who contracted the virus while treating a patient and succumbed within two weeks of symptom onset. Another medical doctor is currently hospitalized receiving treatment. A total of 109 contacts are now under active surveillance.
The affected local government areas are Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu. Health authorities have deployed rapid response teams to these communities for active case finding.
Dr. Baamlong emphasized that treatment drugs and personal protective equipment have been distributed to health facilities, specifically available at Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital. The state has also commenced active public health enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on preventive measures and the importance of early reporting of symptoms.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can occur in healthcare settings. Residents are urged to maintain good hygiene, store food properly, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, and headache appear.
The outbreak underscores the persistent challenge of Lassa fever in Nigeria, where seasonal spikes are common. State authorities stress that containing the transmission requires collective community responsibility alongside robust surveillance and rapid medical intervention.
