The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a surge in suspected and confirmed cases across the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the outbreak on Tuesday in Makurdi, disclosing that no fewer than 56 suspected cases have so far been recorded.
Dr Ogwuche said the declaration followed a noticeable increase in suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases, including reported fatalities, prompting the activation of emergency public health measures to curb further spread of the disease.
According to epidemiological data released by the ministry, eight cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable death currently under investigation.
“This indicates a high case fatality rate among confirmed cases, which is of serious concern to health authorities,” the commissioner said.
Health Workers Among the Infected
Dr Ogwuche expressed deep concern over the impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, revealing that four healthcare professionals — three nurses and one community health worker — have been infected.
He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died from Lassa fever while working in Jos, Plateau State, describing the loss as a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by healthcare personnel.
Emergency Response Activated
The commissioner said the state government, acting on the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia, has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate the response across the state.
He said the response includes enhanced surveillance, case management, contact tracing, infection prevention, and public sensitisation in all 23 local government areas of Benue State.
Dr Ogwuche stressed the importance of strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols in all health facilities to protect both patients and medical workers.
Public Advisory
Urging residents to remain calm but vigilant, the commissioner explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, or droppings, but can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
Common symptoms, he said, include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Dr Ogwuche advised residents to:
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Maintain good environmental hygiene
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Store food properly to prevent rodent infestation
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Avoid self-medication
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Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear
He noted that early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve survival outcomes.
Residents were urged to report suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever Emergency Hotline: 0803-929-4999, or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO).
The commissioner disclosed that the disease had been spreading over the past few weeks, with two deaths recorded about two weeks ago, before the latest escalation.