Benue State Declares Lassa Fever Outbreak as Healthcare Workers Among Infected
Benue State, Nigeria, has officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak following a concerning rise in cases and fatalities, including the infection of four healthcare workers.
The state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, announced the outbreak on Tuesday. He confirmed that three nurses and one community health worker, actively serving in the state, are among those infected. Their exposure highlights significant risks and potential gaps in infection control practices within local health facilities.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 56 suspected cases have been recorded, with eight laboratory confirmations. The outbreak has claimed three lives among confirmed cases, with one additional probable death under investigation. Dr. Ogwuche described the figures, particularly the fatality rate, as worrisome and a clear call for urgent public health intervention.
The situation is compounded by the recent death of a medical doctor of Benue origin from Lassa fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State. The commissioner cited this as a painful reminder of the sacrifices healthcare workers make and the critical need to protect them.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has activated the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). This centre will coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns across all 23 local government areas. A key focus is enforcing strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols in every health facility to safeguard staff and patients.
Lassa fever, endemic in parts of West Africa, is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or droppings of infected rodents. It can also spread directly between people, especially in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, bleeding.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm but vigilant. Essential preventive measures include maintaining rigorous environmental sanitation, storing food in rodent-proof containers, avoiding self-medication, and seeking immediate medical care for any febrile illness, as early treatment drastically improves survival rates.
The public is encouraged to report suspected cases or seek information via the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on 0803-929-4999 or through the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer. The state’s coordinated response aims to curtail transmission and mitigate this ongoing public health emergency.
