Nigeria, Feb. 3 -- The Benue State Government has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a steady rise in suspected and confirmed cases across the state, with 56 suspected infections and three confirmed deaths recorded so far.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, noting that the worsening situation had necessitated urgent public health intervention to curb further spread of the disease.

According to him, epidemiological data from the ministry indicate that out of the 56 suspected cases, eight have been laboratory confirmed. Three deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, while one additional probable death is currently under ...