Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the recording of no fewer than 56 suspected cases across the state.
The declaration was made on Tuesday, February 3, by the
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, who said the
development had prompted the activation of an emergency public health response
Ogwuche disclosed that four healthcare workers, three nurses
and one community health worker, have been infected, while the death toll has
risen to three.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, the commissioner said
the decision to formally declare an outbreak followed a noticeable increase in
suspected and confirmed cases, including fatalities, in different parts of the
state.
He said the trend necessitated urgent intervention to
prevent further spread of the disease.
Citing epidemiological data released by the ministry,
Ogwuche said the total number of suspected cases had climbed to 56.
“Eight of these cases have been laboratory confirmed, with
three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable
death currently under investigation,” he said. “This figure indicates a high
case fatality rate among confirmed cases, raising serious concern among health
authorities.”
The commissioner expressed particular concern about the
impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, noting that four medical
personnel were among those affected.
He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who
recently died of Lassa fever while serving in Jos, Plateau State, describing
the incident as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by healthcare
workers.
Ogwuche stressed the need for strict adherence to Infection
Prevention and Control measures in all health facilities to safeguard both
patients and medical staff.
He said the state government’s response was driven by the
governor’s concern for the health and wellbeing of residents.
“In line with this commitment, the government has activated
the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case
management, contact tracing and public sensitization efforts across all 23
local government areas,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm but
vigilant, explaining that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact
with infected rodents or their urine and droppings.
He added that the disease could also spread from person to
person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control practices
are inadequate.
Ogwuche listed common symptoms to include persistent high
fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in
severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
He advised residents to maintain proper environmental
hygiene, store food safely to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication
and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. According to him,
early detection and treatment significantly improve survival outcomes.
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.
The outbreak follows reports that the disease had been
spreading over the past few weeks, with the state government confirming that
two deaths were recorded about two weeks ago.
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