Plateau State confirms a widening outbreak of Lassa fever, with seven local government areas now affected, eleven confirmed cases recorded, and four deaths reported since December 2025. Health authorities say response efforts have been intensified to contain the spread and protect residents across the state.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, discloses the figures during a press briefing in Jos, where he outlines the progression of the outbreak and the steps taken by the state government to manage the situation.
According to Dr Baamlong, the outbreak is first detected on December 20, 2025, following a reported case from Quanpan Local Government Area. He explains that the state immediately activates its Incident Management Team to coordinate surveillance, treatment, and public health response.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that initial investigations confirm two early cases, triggering extensive contact tracing across affected communities. Health officials trace 69 contacts at the early stage of the outbreak, leading to 16 suspected cases, out of which five are later confirmed positive through laboratory testing.
Providing an update for 2026, the commissioner says Plateau State records 28 suspected cases so far this year, with six new laboratory-confirmed infections. This brings the total number of confirmed Lassa fever cases in the state to eleven since the outbreak began.
Dr Baamlong reveals that the outbreak has led to four deaths across major health facilities in Plateau State. Two deaths are recorded at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while one death each occurs at the Plateau Specialist Hospital and the Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
He notes with concern that one of the fatalities is a frontline health worker who contracts the virus while attending to an infected patient. The commissioner also confirms that another medical doctor is currently receiving treatment after exposure to the virus, highlighting the high risk faced by healthcare workers.
Health authorities say a total of 109 contacts are currently under active follow-up as part of ongoing surveillance efforts. Rapid response teams are deployed to affected local government areas to conduct active case searches, monitor symptoms, and ensure early detection of new infections.
The seven local government areas affected by the outbreak are Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu. Officials say these areas are now under heightened surveillance to prevent further community transmission.
Dr Baamlong stresses that public awareness and behavioural change remain critical to controlling the spread of Lassa fever. He says the Ministry of Health is rolling out intensified public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on prevention, early symptoms, and the importance of timely medical care.
He explains that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or droppings. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings without strict infection prevention measures.
The commissioner assures residents that treatment centres are well-equipped to manage confirmed cases. He confirms that essential drugs for Lassa fever treatment, as well as personal protective equipment, have been distributed to key health facilities across the state.
According to the health ministry, the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital currently serve as major treatment centres, with trained personnel and isolation facilities in place to handle severe cases.
Dr Baamlong calls on residents to take preventive measures seriously, including proper food storage, regular handwashing, maintaining clean household environments, and avoiding contact with rodents. He urges people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
He emphasizes that early presentation at health facilities significantly improves survival rates and reduces the risk of further transmission within communities.
The Plateau State Government reiterates its commitment to working closely with health partners and relevant agencies to contain the outbreak. Officials say surveillance, contact tracing, and risk communication will continue until the situation is fully under control.
Health experts warn that Lassa fever outbreaks often increase during the dry season, calling for sustained vigilance from both authorities and the public. They note that community cooperation is essential to breaking the chain of transmission.
As response efforts intensify, the state government appeals for calm, urging residents to rely on verified information from health authorities and to avoid panic. Officials say transparency and public cooperation will remain central to managing the outbreak.
Plateau State health authorities assure residents that updates will be provided regularly as the situation evolves, while reiterating that collective responsibility remains the strongest tool in stopping the spread of Lassa fever.
