The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue State, Dr Paul Ogwuche, has on Tuesday declared the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.
He pegged suspected cases to hit 56.
The commissioner said the ministry had swung into action to tackle the disease, adding that four healthcare professionals—three nurses and one community health worker—had been infected, while the death toll had risen to three.
The Commissioner who made this known to journalists in Makurdi said the outbreak followed a noticeable rise in suspected and confirmed cases, including reported fatalities across the state.
The commissioner, citing epidemiological data released by the ministry, said the total number of suspected Lassa fever cases had risen 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.”
Dr Ogwuche expressed particular worry over the impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, noting that four healthcare professionals—three nurses and one community health worker—were among those affected.
The commissioner stressed the need for strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control measures in all health facilities to protect both patients and medical personnel.
He explained that the state government’s response was driven by the governor’s deep concern for the health and wellbeing of the people of the state.
“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 of the state to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but could also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.
He listed common symptoms of the disease to include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
He noted that early detection and treatment could significantly improve survival.
He further advised residents to promptly report any suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on 0803-929-4999 or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
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