The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a sharp rise in suspected cases across the state, with 56 cases recorded so far.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday, disclosing that the outbreak has already claimed three lives, while four healthcare workers have been infected.
According to the commissioner, the state’s Ministry of Health has activated an emergency response mechanism to contain the disease, citing growing concern over the spread and fatality rate.
“Eight of the 56 suspected cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths among confirmed cases and one additional probable death currently under investigation,” Ogwuche said. “This represents a high case fatality rate and is a serious public health concern.”
He revealed that four frontline healthcare workers—three nurses and one community health worker—have been infected, describing the development as particularly troubling. Ogwuche also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while working in Jos, Plateau State, calling the loss a painful reminder of the risks faced by health workers.
The commissioner said the declaration followed a noticeable rise in suspected and confirmed cases, necessitating urgent public health intervention to prevent further transmission.
“In response, the state government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, which will coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation across all 23 local government areas,” he stated.
Ogwuche urged health facilities to strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols to safeguard patients and medical personnel. He added that the government’s response was driven by Governor’s concern for the health and wellbeing of residents.
He advised residents to remain calm but vigilant, explaining that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine or droppings, and can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
Common symptoms, he said, include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The commissioner encouraged residents to maintain good environmental hygiene, store food properly to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur, noting that early detection and treatment significantly improve survival.
He further urged residents to promptly report suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline (0803-929-4999) or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
The outbreak comes weeks after the state recorded two deaths linked to the disease, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and public cooperation.
