The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a surge in suspected cases across the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the development in Makurdi on Tuesday, disclosing that no fewer than 56 suspected cases had been recorded so far.
He said the Ministry of Health had activated emergency response mechanisms to contain the outbreak, noting that four healthcare workers—three nurses and one community health worker—had been infected, while three deaths had been confirmed.
According to the commissioner, the decision to formally declare the outbreak followed a steady increase in suspected and confirmed cases, including fatalities reported in different parts of the state.
He explained that the situation required urgent public health intervention to prevent further transmission.
Citing epidemiological data released by the ministry, Ogwuche said the number of suspected cases had climbed to 56.
He said, “Eight of these cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable death under investigation.
“This figure indicates a high case fatality rate among confirmed cases, raising serious concern among health authorities.”
The commissioner expressed deep concern over infections among frontline health workers, revealing that four medical personnel were among those affected by the disease.
He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the risks faced by healthcare workers.
Dr Ogwuche stressed the importance of strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control measures in all health facilities to safeguard both patients and medical staff.
He said the state government’s response was driven by the governor’s strong commitment to the health and wellbeing of residents.
“In line with this commitment, the government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation efforts across all 23 local government areas,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm but alert, explaining that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
He listed symptoms of the disease as including persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Dr Ogwuche advised residents to maintain proper environmental hygiene, store food safely to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if symptoms appear.
He emphasised that early detection and prompt treatment greatly improve survival chances.
Residents were also urged to report suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on 0803-929-4999 or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
The outbreak has been spreading in recent weeks, with the state government confirming that two deaths were recorded about two weeks ago.
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