Plateau State has confirmed a renewed outbreak of Lassa fever, with health officials reporting 11 laboratory-confirmed infections and four fatalities across multiple communities since December 2025.
The disclosure was made in Jos by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, who said the outbreak spans seven local government areas, prompting the activation of emergency surveillance and response structures.
According to the commissioner, the state received its first alert on December 20, 2025, after a suspected case emerged from Quanpan Local Government Area. The development led to the immediate activation of the state’s Incident Management System and the deployment of rapid response teams.
“Once the initial cases were confirmed, we intensified contact tracing and community surveillance to prevent further spread,” Baamlong explained.
Rising Infections and Contact Tracing Efforts
Health authorities have so far documented 28 suspected cases, out of which 11 have tested positive. Officials revealed that over 100 contacts linked to confirmed cases are currently under close medical observation.
The outbreak has unfortunately claimed four lives, including a frontline healthcare worker, highlighting the occupational risks faced by medical personnel during infectious disease emergencies.
Fatalities were recorded at major health facilities, including:
Jos University Teaching Hospital
Plateau Specialist Hospital
Bingham University Teaching Hospital
Baamlong also confirmed that another medical doctor is presently hospitalised and receiving treatment.
Affected Areas and Statewide Response
The local government areas impacted include Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu.
State health officials say they are ramping up active case searches, strengthening disease surveillance, and intensifying public health education campaigns to limit community transmission.
“Public awareness is critical. People need to understand how Lassa fever spreads and how to protect themselves,” the commissioner stressed.
Treatment, Supplies and Public Advisory
The Plateau State Government has assured residents that essential medicines and personal protective equipment (PPEs) have been distributed to designated treatment centres, with key facilities already equipped to manage severe cases.
Residents have been urged to:
Maintain proper hygiene
Avoid contact with rodents and contaminated food
Seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever, weakness, or bleeding occur
Lassa fever is an acute viral illness endemic in parts of Nigeria and West Africa. Health experts warn that early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve survival rates.
For more background on the disease, visit the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Lassa fever resource page:
👉 https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/info/L
You can also read more public health updates on AfriGlobal News’ Health Desk:
👉 https://afriglobalnews.com/category/lifestyle/health/
