Plateau State has reported a Lassa fever outbreak affecting seven local government areas, with 11 confirmed cases and four deaths since December 2025.
The affected areas are Quanpan, Shendam, Wase, Langtang South, Jos North, Jos South, and Mangu.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, provided the update during a press briefing in Jos, noting that the first case was reported on December 20, 2025, from Quanpan LGA.
Following this, the state activated its incident management team and began extensive contact tracing.
Suspected cases: 28
Confirmed cases: 11
Contacts under follow-up: 109
Tragically, four people have died, including one health worker. Two fatalities occurred at Jos University Teaching Hospital, one at Plateau Specialist Hospital, and one at Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
Another medical doctor is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.
Dr. Baamlong emphasized public health education, active case search, and deployment of rapid response teams as key measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Treatment drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed to major health facilities.
Residents are urged to:
Follow preventive measures diligently
Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear
Participate in public health awareness programs
This outbreak highlights the importance of collective responsibility in containing Lassa fever in Plateau State.
