Plateau State authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of suspected Lassa fever, which has already taken two lives. Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, the State Commissioner for Health, informed reporters in Jos that three cases have been identified, with one patient still undergoing treatment.
The fatalities occurred in two different local government areas—one in Kanam and the other in Shendam, with one death recorded at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has collaborated with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to contain the spread of the virus. A rapid response team was immediately dispatched to the affected communities for on-site assessments and to educate residents on preventive measures. Authorities have noted that all contacts traced so far have tested negative.
Dr. Shurkuk emphasized the importance of maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent further transmission of the disease.
