The international medical humanitarian organization 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 rising patient numbers continue to strain health facilities.
As of mid-March, 410 suspected Lassa fever cases have been reported in Benue State, including 60 confirmed cases and 14 deaths. Among the confirmed cases are 14 healthcare workers, highlighting the risks within health facilities and 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% of confirmed infections resulting in death—a significant increase from the 18.5% 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 hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic in Nigeria. Seasonal peaks typically occur between November and April. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected rats, though human-to-human transmission can occur through exposure to blood, secretions, or bodily fluids of infected individuals. Benue State is among the areas with particularly high infection rates.
In response, MSF 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, in particular to address the rise in infections among healthcare workers and challenges related to limited personal protective equipment (PPE), weak triage systems, and gaps in facility organization.
“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 organization of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”
MSF provides hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on enhancing IPC measures and patient management. The organization is training healthcare workers on IPC and safe clinical practices while improving triage systems, patient flow, and isolation areas through the establishment of high- and low-risk zones.
MSF is also supplying PPE, hygiene materials, cleaning supplies, and reinforcing waste management and hygiene services. Handwashing stations are being installed in supported facilities, and teams assist with basic surveillance and data collection. To support patients further, MSF is providing food assistance to those in isolation centers.
“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 Juniper Gordon. “MSF remains committed to supporting efforts to protect patients and healthcare workers and to strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.”
