Measles Outbreak Strikes Benue: 31 Cases Confirmed, 256 Suspected - Yanmar
On Tuesday, Dr. Ortese Yanmar, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue State, revealed that the state has documented 31 confirmed measles cases across five Local Government Areas (LGAs). While addressing reporters on the state's health security issues, the Commissioner mentioned that there are currently approximately 256 suspected cases of measles in Benue.
Yanmar also reported an increase in deaths attributed to Lassa Fever. He mentioned that, based on available data from the ministry, there are approximately 725 suspected cases, 55 confirmed cases, and 13 deaths. Expressing concern, he highlighted that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for Lassa Fever in the state has escalated to 23.6%, affecting nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue.
Yanmar emphasized, "It is crucial to note that the State is currently grappling with Measles outbreaks, registering 256 suspected cases and confirming 31 cases spread across five Local Government Areas: Buruku, Gwer West, Logo, Ushongo, and Vandeikya.
"The state response team is actively addressing the situation, with our surveillance officers closely monitoring the developments."
I want to extend an invitation to partners with technical expertise in controlling outbreaks of the mentioned diseases to collaborate with us. Together, we can strengthen the health security of the state, Nigeria, and the global community.
He further clarified that, "Nigeria holds the record for the highest number of reported Lassa Fever cases and deaths worldwide, as per the World Health Organization."
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed numerous significant outbreaks of Lassa Fever, with a reported surge in cases.
"The State's Situation Report for the ongoing Lassa Fever outbreak from November 1, 2023, to March 2, 2024 (Epidemiology week 9), reveals a total of 725 suspected cases, 55 confirmed cases, 13 deaths, 2 probable cases, and a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 23.6%.
"The affected LGAs include Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West, Gwer East, Okpokwu, Obi, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, and Ukum.
"These statistics are not only alarming but also underscore the need for concerted efforts to halt the disease's spread in the State.
During epidemiological week 6, a distressing development occurred as four infected individuals were identified in one of the IDP camps in the State.
"This population is exceptionally susceptible due to overcrowded living conditions with inadequate hygiene. Fortunately, the State promptly mobilized the disease outbreak response team.
"The confirmed cases received appropriate treatment, and their contacts underwent symptom monitoring. As of March 1, 2024, they were asymptomatic and concluded their follow-up.
"It's crucial to highlight that this marks the highest number of positive cases in the past four years, significantly straining the Treatment Centre at Benue State University Teaching Hospital. Since the onset of the outbreak, the center has managed a total of 90 cases, both suspected and confirmed," noted the Health Commissioner.
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