Benue State Boosts COVID-19 Vigilance, Marks Lassa Fever Milestone, and Overhauls Primary Care

Benue State has recorded no new Lassa Fever infections for four weeks while stepping up COVID-19 surveillance and launching a major primary‑health‑centre upgrade.

The state aims to extend upgrades to all 276 council wards.

Context: Following a reported COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national in neighboring Cross River State, Benue’s Health Commissioner announced heightened alert levels. Public Health Emergency Response Centres have been reactivated and operate at full capacity. The commissioner stressed that all response pillars are active and teams remain on standby to contain any threat.

Key Facts: Commissioner Dr. Paul Ogwuche said the state is fully prepared to respond to any emergency and is not taking chances regarding COVID-19. Benue State reported no new Lassa Fever cases in the past four weeks, with all screenings negative and no patients admitted, marking a significant milestone. Over 110 Primary Healthcare Centres are being revitalised, with plans to upgrade all 276 council wards.

What It Means: The four‑week absence of new Lassa Fever cases comes from ongoing cohort surveillance, not a randomized trial, so the trend correlates with intensified training, protective‑equipment distribution, public sensitisation, and partner support but does not prove causation. Sustaining the 42‑day incubation‑period benchmark remains critical before declaring victory. Practical takeaways for residents include continuing to report fever symptoms, using recommended protective gear, and utilizing the upgraded PHCs for routine care. The PHC revitalisation effort includes solar lighting, fencing, essential supplies, and additional health workers recruited in late 2025, aiming to close access gaps across the state.

Watch next: Whether Benue maintains zero Lassa Fever cases through the full 42‑day window and how the PHC upgrade rollout affects service utilisation metrics in the coming months.