Plateau State is grappling with a confirmed outbreak of Lassa fever, with eleven positive cases and four fatalities reported across seven local government areas since December 2025.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, shared the grim update at a press briefing in Jos, detailing the government’s response and ongoing efforts to contain the virus.
The first alarm was raised on 20 December 2025, when a case emerged in Quanpan Local Government Area. “We immediately activated our Incident Management Team,” Dr Baamlong said, highlighting the urgency with which the state responded.
Initial contact tracing was swift. Two confirmed cases led health authorities to monitor 69 contacts, resulting in 16 suspected cases, of which five tested positive. By 2026, surveillance figures showed 28 suspected cases, with six more confirmed, bringing the total to eleven confirmed Lassa fever cases in Plateau State.
Tragically, the outbreak has claimed four lives, including two at Jos University Teaching Hospital, one at Plateau Specialist Hospital, and one at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. One of the deceased was a medical doctor who contracted the virus while treating a patient—a stark reminder of the risks frontline workers face. “As of today, another medical doctor is on admission and receiving treatment,” Dr Baamlong added.
Currently, 109 contacts are under follow-up as health authorities intensify surveillance and deploy rapid response teams to affected communities, which include Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu.
Dr Baamlong stressed the importance of public awareness in combating the outbreak. “Active public health enlightenment is crucial. We must educate residents to help suppress transmission,” he said, urging strict adherence to preventive measures and immediate medical attention for symptoms.
Reassuringly, treatment drugs and protective equipment are in place. “Required drugs, including personal protective gear, have been distributed to health facilities and are available at Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital,” he confirmed.
This outbreak is a somber reminder that diseases like Lassa fever thrive when vigilance lapses. The onus is now on both authorities and residents to act decisively. Collective responsibility—early detection, reporting, and adherence to safety measures—remains the strongest defense.
