Four health workers infected as Benue confirms more Lassa Fever cases

2026-02-03 - 18:38

By Peter Duru The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has confirmed that four healthcare professionals are among those affected in the recent Lassa Fever outbreak in the state. Dr. Ogwuche disclosed that the affected health workers included three nurses and one community health worker, all of whom were actively rendering services within Benue State when they contracted the disease. The Commissioner made this known on Tuesday in an official statement declaring a Lassa Fever outbreak, following a noticeable increase in suspected and confirmed cases and reported fatalities across the state. According to epidemiological data released by the Ministry of Health, Benue State has so far recorded 56 suspected cases of Lassa Fever since the outbreak began. Out of these, eight cases were confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients, while one additional probable death is currently under investigation. Dr. Ogwuche noted that the figures reflected a high case fatality rate, describing the situation as alarming and a major public health concern that requires urgent and coordinated response. “These numbers are troubling and demand immediate public health action to prevent further spread of the disease and reduce fatalities,” the commissioner said. He expressed deep concern about the impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, stressing that their exposure highlights gaps in infection control and the dangers they face daily. “I am particularly worried that four of our healthcare workers, three nurses and a community health worker, are among those infected. This underscores the risks our health professionals face in the line of duty,” Ogwuche stated. 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 sacrifices and risks associated with healthcare service.” Dr. Ogwuche stressed the need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all health facilities, noting that protecting health workers was critical to sustaining the state’s healthcare response. He explained that the state government’s response was driven by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s concern for the well-being of Benue residents, adding that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) had been activated to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation across all 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs. Members of the public were urged to remain calm but vigilant, as he explained that Lassa Fever could be transmitted mainly through contact with infected rodents, their urine or droppings, and can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings with poor infection control. Common symptoms of Lassa Fever include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding. The Ministry advised residents to maintain good environmental hygiene, properly store food to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur, noting that early detection and treatment greatly improve survival. Residents were also urged to promptly report suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline 0803-929-4999 or the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer. Vanguard News