Lassa fever has claimed the life of a senior medical doctor at Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Jos, with three other deaths recorded in Plateau State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, confirmed the outbreak on Wednesday.
Baamlong said the state has recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths so far.
He added that emergency response measures have been activated to contain the spread of the viral disease and protect residents.
The deceased doctor reportedly contracted the virus after performing a caesarean section on an infected patient, highlighting the risks faced by frontline health workers.
BUTH is one of the designated treatment centres for Lassa fever in the state.
Authorities said surveillance, contact tracing and public health interventions are ongoing, with vaccines already received and more expected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, maintain hygiene, and seek early medical care if symptoms occur.
