The Benue State Government has confirmed that four healthcare workers are among the latest victims of the ongoing Lassa Fever outbreak in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed that those affected are three nurses and one community health worker who were actively engaged in service within the state at the time of infection.
Dr. Ogwuche announced this on Tuesday while formally declaring a Lassa Fever outbreak, following a surge in suspected and confirmed cases, as well as reported deaths in different parts of Benue.
Data released by the Ministry of Health indicate that 56 suspected cases have been recorded so far. Of this number, eight cases have been laboratory confirmed.
Three deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, while one additional probable death is still being investigated.
Describing the figures as worrisome, the commissioner said the fatality rate underscored the seriousness of the outbreak and the need for urgent public health intervention.
“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 particular concern over the infection of frontline health personnel, noting that their exposure pointed to ongoing risks and gaps in infection control practices within health facilities.
“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 mourned a medical doctor of Benue origin who recently lost his life to Lassa Fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as “a painful reminder of the sacrifices and risks associated with healthcare service.”
Dr. Ogwuche emphasised the importance of strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols across all health facilities, stressing that safeguarding health workers was essential to maintaining an effective response to the outbreak.
He explained that the state’s response was in line with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to protecting residents, adding that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) had been activated to oversee surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns across the 23 local government areas.
Residents were advised to remain calm but alert, as the commissioner explained that Lassa Fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, and can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
Symptoms of the disease include persistent high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food safely to deter rodents, avoid self-medication and seek prompt medical care when symptoms appear, noting that early treatment significantly improves survival.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on **0803-929-4999** or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
