The Plateau State government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever, with 11 confirmed cases and four deaths recorded across seven local government areas since December 2025, health authorities said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this at the weekend in Jos, saying the outbreak was first detected on Dec. 20, 2025, following a reported case from Quanpan Local Government Area.
Baamlong said the report prompted the immediate activation of the state’s Incident Management Team, leading to investigations, contact tracing and heightened surveillance.
Initial investigations confirmed two cases, after which about 69 contacts were traced. From these, 16 suspected cases and five confirmed cases were identified, he said.
“In total, Plateau State has recorded 28 suspected cases so far, with 11 confirmed positive for Lassa fever,” Baamlong said.
He said four deaths have been recorded, including that of a health worker who treated an infected patient. Two deaths occurred at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while one each was recorded at the Plateau Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
Baamlong added that another medical doctor is currently on admission and receiving treatment.
Health authorities are currently monitoring 109 contacts as surveillance and response efforts continue.
The affected local government areas include Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South and Mangu.
Baamlong said the state government has intensified active case searches and deployed rapid response teams to affected communities to contain the spread of the disease.
He stressed that public health awareness remains critical, noting that enlightenment campaigns have been stepped up across the state.
The commissioner also assured residents that treatment and protective materials are available, saying essential drugs and personal protective equipment have been supplied to the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
He urged residents to observe preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with Lassa fever, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to controlling the outbreak.
