56 suspected cases recorded, three deaths confirmed as Benue declares Lassa fever outbreak

The Benue State Government has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a steady rise in suspected and confirmed cases across the state, with 56 suspected infections and three confirmed deaths recorded so far.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, noting that the worsening situation had necessitated urgent public health intervention to curb further spread of the disease.

According to him, epidemiological data from the ministry indicate that out of the 56 suspected cases, eight have been laboratory confirmed. Three deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, while one additional probable death is currently under investigation, reflecting what he described as a troublingly high case fatality rate.

Dr Ogwuche disclosed that the outbreak has also affected frontline healthcare workers, with four professionals — three nurses and one community health worker — already infected. He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while serving in Jos, Plateau State, describing the loss as a painful reminder of the risks health workers face daily.

The commissioner stressed the importance of strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all health facilities to protect both patients and medical personnel.

He said the state government, in line with the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia, has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation across the 23 local government areas of the state.

While urging residents to remain calm, Dr Ogwuche advised them to stay vigilant, explaining that Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.

He listed symptoms of the disease to include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

Residents were advised to maintain good environmental hygiene, properly store food to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if symptoms develop.

Dr Ogwuche emphasised that early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve survival chances and urged residents 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 declaration comes weeks after the state confirmed two earlier deaths linked to the disease, underscoring growing concerns over the spread of Lassa fever in Benue.