BENUE DECLARES LASSA FEVER OUTBREAK AS SUSPECTED CASES RISE TO 56, 3 DEAD
Benue State has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a rise in suspected cases across the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the development on Tuesday in Makurdi, saying that 56 suspected cases of the disease have so far been recorded.
According to him, eight cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients, while one additional probable death is currently under investigation.
Dr Ogwuche described the situation as a major public health concern, noting the high case fatality rate among confirmed cases.
He disclosed that the outbreak has also affected frontline health workers, revealing that four healthcare professionals three nurses and one community health worker, have been infected in the course of their duties.
The commissioner 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 faced by healthcare workers.
He explained that the official declaration followed a noticeable increase in suspected and confirmed cases, including reported fatalities, which necessitated urgent public health action to prevent further spread.
Dr Ogwuche said the state government has activated an emergency response, including the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation across all 23 local government areas.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control measures in health facilities to protect both patients and medical personnel.
Urging residents to remain calm but vigilant, the commissioner explained that Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
He listed symptoms to include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Dr Ogwuche advised residents to maintain good environmental hygiene, store food properly to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if symptoms occur.
He added that early detection and treatment significantly improve survival chances.
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.
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