Three die of suspected Lassa fever in Benue

Benue State government has confirmed three persons dead among 12 cases of suspected Lassa fever within one week.

Dr Yanmar Ortese, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made the disclosure on Wednesday.

He stated that the reported deaths and cases were still based on suspicions.

According to Ortese, the incidents occurred in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state within the last week.

He added that 12 samples from people who had close contact with the deceased had been taken and until the result was out, it remained under suspicion.

The Commissioner emphasized, “No confirmed cases yet.”

Ortese stated that the emergency operations unit of the ministry swung into action immediately and quarantined those affected.