The Benue State Government has confirmed that four health workers are among the latest confirmed cases in the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed on Tuesday that the affected personnel include three nurses and one community health worker who were actively on duty when they contracted the viral disease.
Dr Ogwuche made the announcement while formally declaring a Lassa fever outbreak in Benue, following a noticeable rise in suspected and confirmed infections, as well as reported fatalities across parts of the state.
According to data released by the state Ministry of Health, a total of 56 suspected cases have so far been recorded, out of which eight have been confirmed through laboratory testing. Three deaths have been documented among confirmed cases, while one additional death classified as probable is currently under investigation.
The commissioner described the figures as alarming, noting that the fatality rate highlights the severity of the outbreak and the urgency of a coordinated public health response.
“These numbers are troubling and call for immediate action to curb the spread of the disease and reduce further loss of lives,” Ogwuche said.
He expressed deep concern over the infection of frontline health workers, stressing that their exposure underscores persistent risks and possible gaps in infection prevention and control measures within health facilities.
“I am particularly concerned that four of our health workers — three nurses and a community health worker — are among those infected. This clearly shows the dangers our medical personnel face in the course of their duties,” he added.
Dr Ogwuche also mourned a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died from 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.
He emphasised the need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols in all health facilities, noting that protecting health workers is critical to sustaining an effective outbreak response.
The commissioner explained that the state’s response aligns with the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia to safeguard the health of residents. He disclosed that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been activated to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and risk communication across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant, as Ogwuche noted that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, and can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
Common symptoms include persistent high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe cases may involve unexplained bleeding.
The Ministry of Health advised residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food securely to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms appear, stressing 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.