Benue declares Lassa fever outbreak

The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the recording of no fewer than 56 suspected cases across the state.

The declaration was made on Tuesday, February 3, by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, who said the development had prompted the activation of an emergency public health response.

Ogwuche disclosed that four healthcare workers, three nurses and one community health worker, have been infected, while the death toll has risen to three.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, the commissioner said the decision to formally declare an outbreak followed a noticeable increase in suspected and confirmed cases, including fatalities, in different parts of the state.

He said the trend necessitated urgent intervention to prevent further spread of the disease.

Citing epidemiological data released by the ministry, Ogwuche said the total number of suspected cases had climbed to 56.

“Eight of these cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable death currently under investigation,” he said. “This figure indicates a high case fatality rate among confirmed cases, raising serious concern among health authorities.”

The commissioner expressed particular concern about the impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, noting that four medical personnel were among those affected.

He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while serving in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by healthcare workers.

Ogwuche stressed the need for 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 concern for 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 vigilant, explaining that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings.

He added that the disease could also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control practices are inadequate.

Ogwuche listed common symptoms to include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

He advised residents to maintain proper environmental hygiene, store food safely to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. According to him, early detection and treatment significantly improve survival outcomes.

Residents were also urged to promptly 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 follows reports that the disease had been spreading over the past few weeks, with the state government confirming that two deaths were recorded about two weeks ago.