Lassa Fever Outbreak in Plateau: 11 Cases, Four Fatalities Confirmed

Plateau State has recorded 11 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and four deaths across seven Local Government Areas since December 2025, marking a concerning Public Health development in the Region.

According to State health officials, the outbreak was first detected on December 20, 2025, when authorities confirmed two initial cases in the Quanpan Local Government Area. Rapid case investigations and contact tracing followed, eventually identifying 28 suspected infections and confirming 11 positive cases.

In a press briefing in Jos, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, Global Mirror News gathered that the virus has now affected residents in Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South and Mangu Local Government Areas.

The outbreak has claimed four lives, including that of a healthcare worker who contracted the virus while treating infected patients, highlighting infection risks for frontline staff.

Fatalities occurred in major health facilities, including Jos University Teaching Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Baamlong said that 109 contacts remain under follow-up as part of ongoing surveillance measures. Global Mirror News understands that State Health authorities have activated rapid response teams and intensified public health education campaigns to limit further spread.

“We are conducting active case searches, strengthening surveillance, and expanding community engagement to suppress transmission,” the commissioner said, as reported by Global Mirror News.

Residents are being urged to practice enhanced hygiene, seek immediate care for symptoms such as fever or sore throat, and follow guidance from health officials to curb this outbreak.