The Benue State Government has announced the outbreak of Lassa fever after health authorities recorded a growing number of suspected infections across the state.
The declaration was made on Tuesday, February 3, by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, who said the surge in cases had forced the state to activate its emergency public health response mechanisms.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Ogwuche revealed that at least 56 suspected cases have so far been reported, with infections confirmed among healthcare workers and multiple fatalities already recorded. According to him, four frontline health personnel three nurses and one community health worker have tested positive for the virus, while three deaths have been confirmed.
He explained that the decision to formally declare an outbreak followed a sharp rise in suspected and confirmed cases in several parts of Benue State, describing the situation as alarming and requiring immediate action.
Providing further details from epidemiological data, Ogwuche said laboratory tests have confirmed eight cases so far.
“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 deep worry about the exposure of medical workers, noting that infections among health professionals highlight gaps that must be urgently addressed. He also paid tribute to a Benue-born doctor who recently died from Lassa fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State, describing the loss as a sobering reminder of the dangers healthcare workers face.
Ogwuche emphasised that strict Infection Prevention and Control measures must be observed in all health facilities to protect both patients and staff.
He added that the state’s response reflects the governor’s commitment to safeguarding lives.
“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.
While urging residents not to panic, the commissioner called for heightened vigilance, explaining that Lassa fever is mainly spread through contact with rodents or exposure to their urine and droppings. He warned that human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare environments with poor infection control.
Ogwuche outlined symptoms of the disease to include prolonged high fever, intense headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding. He advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, store food properly to deter rodents, avoid self-medication and seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear.
According to him, early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly increase survival chances. Residents were also encouraged 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 official declaration follows earlier reports that the disease had been spreading quietly in recent weeks, with the state confirming that two deaths were recorded about two weeks ago.
