Nigeria, Jan. 19 -- Benue State health authorities have recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the viral disease in one of Nigeria's most affected states.

The Benue State Epidemiologist, Asema Msuega, who disclosed this on Sunday, said samples had been collected from all seven patients and sent for laboratory confirmation. He spoke with The PUNCH while providing an update on the situation.

"We have recorded seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever, and samples from all the patients have already been taken and sent for confirmation," Mr Msuega said.

He added that the state had activated immediate public health response measures to contain any possible outbreak.

According to him, he...