Benue State declares Lassa Fever outbreak as Four Health Workers test positive

At least four frontline medical personnel in Benue State have tested positive for Lassa fever, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected cases in the state to 56, the Ministry of Health and Human Services has disclosed.

The affected health workers include three nurses and a community health worker, highlighting the heightened risks faced by medical personnel during outbreaks. The ministry also confirmed eight laboratory-confirmed cases, with three deaths among confirmed patients and one probable death under investigation.

State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the state has officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak and activated emergency response measures to contain the disease.

“The infection of health workers indicates gaps in infection prevention and control, which must be urgently addressed to protect frontline staff,” Dr Ogwuche said. He also mourned a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever in Jos, Plateau State, describing the loss as a blow to the health sector.

The commissioner urged strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols in all health facilities, warning that lapses could endanger both patients and healthcare providers.

In line with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive, the state government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication across all 23 local government areas.

Dr Ogwuche advised residents to remain calm but vigilant, noting that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but can also spread from person to person, particularly in health facilities with poor infection control practices.

He further urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene, safely store food to prevent rodent infestations, avoid self-medication, and report early to health facilities if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding.

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