MSF Supports Response To Lassa Fever Outbreak In Benue State
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Benue State in responding to the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, as the number of Lassa fever patients continues to put pressure on health facilities.
According to health authorities, as of mid-March, 410 suspected Lassa fever patients have been reported in Benue State, including 60 confirmed patients and 14 deaths.
Among the confirmed patients are 14 healthcare workers, underscoring the risks within health facilities and highlighting the gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Nationally, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 167 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 13 weeks of 2026, with 25.2 per cent of confirmed infections resulting in death, significantly higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The Benue State government officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak on 3 February 2026.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, caused by the Lassa virus, that is endemic in Nigeria, with seasonal peaks typically occurring between November and April.
It is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats.
Human-to-human transmission may also occur through exposure to the blood, secretions, or bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Benue State is among the areas with a particularly high infection rate.
In response, MSF teams have launched a three-month intervention in March, working closely with state health authorities to strengthen the outbreak response and improve infection control measures.
The intervention follows a request from the Benue State Ministry of Health, particularly in response to the increase in infections among healthcare workers and challenges related to limited personal protective equipment (PPE), weak triage systems and gaps in facility organisation.
“Healthcare workers and patients are at significant risk when infection prevention measures are not fully in place,” said MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon.
“Strengthening IPC and improving the organisation of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”
MSF provides hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on strengthening IPC measures and improving patient management.
The organisation is training healthcare workers on IPC and safe clinical practices, while also improving triage systems, patient flow and isolation areas through the establishment of high- and low-risk zones.
In addition, MSF is supplying PPE, hygiene materials, cleaning supplies, and reinforcing waste management and hygiene services.
Handwashing points are being installed in supported facilities, while teams assist with basic surveillance and data collection. To further support patients, MSF is also providing food assistance to those in isolation centres.
“We are working alongside health authorities and partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to reinforce the response and reduce transmission risks,” added MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon.
“MSF remains committed to supporting efforts to protect patients and healthcare workers, and to strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.”