The Benue State Government has confirmed the deaths of four health workers amid a rising Lassa fever outbreak, as suspected cases in the region exceed 60. State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, provided the update on Monday, confirming 11 infections from the outbreak.
The crisis began weeks ago when the state declared an emergency following 53 suspected cases and three initial deaths. Ogwuche stated the ministry’s surveillance dashboard now records over 60 suspected cases, with 11 laboratory-confirmed infections. Four of those confirmed cases involved health workers who have died, while three patients remain hospitalized.
Ogwuche highlighted an aggressive response supported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), focusing on public awareness and technical containment measures. He acknowledged the broader challenge of healthcare worker emigration but confirmed that all 23 general hospitals in Benue are currently staffed by qualified medical doctors, though recommended staffing levels have not been fully achieved.
The commissioner credited Governor Hyacinth Alia for ongoing reforms, noting significant improvements in staff recruitment and facility upgrades, particularly at the Benue State Teaching Hospital and within primary healthcare centers.
Addressing public concern over the proposed cancer treatment centre, Ogwuche assured residents the project is progressing despite apparent delays. He explained that customizing the building for specialized medical equipment requires additional time, with procurement and delivery of machinery still in process. The initiative has strong backing from both the state government and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, whose advocacy reportedly secured the project.
Ogwuche emphasized the centre’s importance for regional cancer care, stating it will significantly reduce the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for treatment. “Processing and a lot of things are happening underground,” he said, urging patience.
The commissioner also warned residents about the approaching meningitis season, advising avoidance of crowded settings and adherence to preventive health practices.
Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or feces of infected Mastomys rats. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting; severe cases can lead to organ failure or death. No licensed vaccine exists, but early treatment with the antiviral ribavirin improves survival rates. The outbreak underscores persistent public health challenges in parts of Nigeria, where seasonal diseases and healthcare infrastructure gaps complicate response efforts.
