The Benue State government has said it has recorded 17 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and two deaths this year.
Dr Joseph Ngbea, the state’s Commissioner for Health made the disclosure on Wednesday at a press briefing on Lassa fever awareness week in Makurdi.
He advised residents in the state to implement vector control measures that will eliminate rats completely in their environment.
He also urged health workers to always observe Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, which are essential in preventing the spread of Lassa fever virus and other infectious diseases among health workers.
Ngbea also noted that Lassa fever is deadlier than HIV/AIDs with a fatality rate of 11.7 per cent, adding that the only way to curb the spread of the disease is to maintain hygiene and a clean environment.
However, the health commissioner said necessary medications have been procured by the state government to treat patients.
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