Health authorities in Benue State have raised concern over a fresh surge in Lassa fever cases, with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) recording 28 suspected cases as of February 2026.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, sounded the alarm on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of the facility’s isolation centre by the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche.

Hwande said the rising admissions were putting pressure on the hospital’s response capacity and called for urgent support to strengthen containment measures.

Providing a breakdown of the situation, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Michael Agbir, described the trend as unusual compared to previous years.

He disclosed that between January and February 2026, the hospital admitted 28 suspected cases, 17 of which were confirmed positive and currently on admission, while three patients have died.

READ ALSO: Lassa Fever Claims 10 Health Workers in Benue

At the state level, the Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, said 45 cases have been confirmed out of 250 suspected cases recorded across Benue as of February 26, 2026.

He added that the outbreak has resulted in 10 cumulative deaths and includes infections among healthcare workers.

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Asema, however, urged residents to remain calm, assuring that containment efforts are ongoing.

Commissioner Ogwuche, who visited the hospital to verify the situation, acknowledged the increase in cases and said the state government had intensified its response.

He disclosed that 23 surveillance officers have been deployed across the 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing and community engagement to curb further spread.

The commissioner urged residents to promptly report symptoms at designated health facilities, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical to reducing fatalities associated with Lassa fever.

While commending the commissioner’s visit, Hwande said the hospital had reinforced infection prevention and control protocols and deployed additional personnel to the isolation centre.

He specifically praised Nurse Genesis Kwaghgande and his team for their efforts in managing patients.

The CMD, however, called for urgent intervention to upgrade the isolation facility with patient monitors, improved waste management systems and other essential equipment.

He also revealed plans to establish a functional emergency laboratory within the centre to enable on-site testing and faster diagnosis.