Four Fatalities Recorded in Plateau Lassa Fever Outbreak
Four Fatalities Recorded in Plateau Lassa Fever Outbreak
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
Plateau State has confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak with 11 cases and four deaths across seven local government areas.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong traced the origin of the outbreak to December 2025 in the Quanpan LGA.
Following the initial alert, the state activated an Incident Management Team to conduct contact tracing and testing.
Out of 28 suspected cases recorded in early 2026, six have been confirmed positive as health officials work to contain the spread.
The fatalities occurred at major hospitals in Jos, including a medical practitioner who died after treating an infected patient. Another doctor is currently hospitalized and undergoing treatment for the virus.
Affected areas include Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu. Rapid response teams have been deployed, and 109 contacts are currently under close medical surveillance.
Health facilities have been equipped with necessary supplies to manage the crisis. Dr. Baamlong stated, “The drugs required for treatment, including personal protective equipment, have been distributed to health facilities and are currently available at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital.”
Residents are urged to practice strict hygiene and rodent control to prevent further infections. The Ministry of Health emphasized that early detection is critical and advised anyone with symptoms to visit a hospital immediately.
