Lassa fever outbreak hits Benue as suspected cases risen to 56

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State Government has raised alarm over outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, saying that no fewer than 56 suspected cases have been recorded so far.

The State government lamented that aside from the 56 cases,  four healthcare professionals including three nurses and one community health worker had been infected, while the death toll had risen to three.

Towards this end, the State Ministry of health had activated an emergency response to address the disease, 

The commissioner for health and human services Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche made this known while speaking with newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.

He maintained that the government has formally declared the outbreak of Lassa as a result of a noticeable rise in suspected and confirmed cases, including reported fatalities across the state.

“The present situation had necessitated urgent public health action to prevent further spread of the disease.The  epidemiological data released so far indicated that suspected Lassa fever cases had risen to 56.

 “Eight of these cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable death under investigation.

“This figure indicates a high case fatality rate among confirmed cases, raising serious concern among health authorities.

“The impact of the outbreak on frontline health workers, including four healthcare professionals—three nurses and one community health worker is worrisome”, Ogwuche stated.

He also paid tribute to a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while serving in Jos, Plateau State, describing the loss as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by healthcare workers.

Ogwuche  however called for strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control measures in all health facilities to protect both patients and medical personnel.

“In line with this commitment, the government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation efforts across all 23 local government areas.

“I Am calling on residents of the state to remain calm and vigilant. Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, but could also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings where infection control measures are inadequate.

“The state government’s response was driven by the governor’s deep concern for the health and wellbeing of the people of the state.

He listed common symptoms of the disease to include persistent high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

Ogwuche advised residents to maintain good environmental hygiene, properly store food to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if symptoms develop.

He noted that early detection and treatment could significantly improve survival.

He further advised residents to promptly report any suspected cases through the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on 0803-929-4999 or to the nearest Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.

The disease has been spreading in the past few weeks, with the state government declaring that two deaths were recorded about two weeks ago.