Benue Reports Four Health Workers Infected as Lassa Fever Cases Reach 56

A minimum of four frontline medical personnel in Benue State have been diagnosed with Lassa fever.

The total number of individuals affected by this infectious disease has reached 56.

This information was revealed in a recent update by the state’s Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The ministry confirmed that the infected health workers include three nurses and a community health worker, following a consistent rise in both suspected and confirmed cases throughout the state.

Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, disclosed this information in a press release in Makurdi. He stated that the state has officially announced a Lassa fever outbreak and has mobilized emergency response activities to limit further transmission.

"Out of the cases reported, eight have been confirmed through laboratory tests, which include three fatalities among the confirmed patients and one additional probable death currently under review," he mentioned.

Dr. Ogwuche highlighted that the infection among healthcare professionals pointed to deficiencies in infection prevention measures, which heighten the risk for medical staff providing care.

He also expressed his condolences for a Benue-born doctor who recently succumbed to Lassa fever while serving in Jos, Plateau State, labeling the loss a significant blow to the health community.

The commissioner underscored the critical importance of stringent adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures across all health institutions, warning that relaxed practices could pose further danger to both patients and healthcare workers.

In response to the outbreak and following a directive from Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to enhance surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication across the 23 local government areas.

Ogwuche urged citizens to remain vigilant yet calm, explaining that Lassa fever is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their excretions and can transmit from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control.

He encouraged the public to practice good hygiene, store food correctly to deter rodent infestations, refrain from self-medication, and promptly seek medical care if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding.