The Benue State Government has confirmed a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, with four health workers among those infected.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed that the affected health workers include three nurses and one community health worker who were actively engaged in service at the time they contracted the disease.
Dr. Ogwuche made the announcement on Tuesday while officially declaring a Lassa fever outbreak following a rise in suspected and confirmed cases, as well as reported deaths across parts of the state.
According to data released by the Ministry of Health, a total of 56 suspected cases have been recorded so far, out of which eight have been laboratory confirmed.
Three deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, while one additional probable death is currently under investigation.
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Describing the situation as worrisome, the commissioner said the figures highlight the seriousness of the outbreak and the urgent need for decisive public health action to curb further spread and reduce fatalities.
He expressed particular concern over the infection of frontline health workers, noting that their exposure points to continued risks and possible gaps in infection prevention and control practices within health facilities.
Dr. Ogwuche also mourned a medical doctor of Benue origin who recently died of Lassa fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by healthcare professionals.
He stressed the importance of strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures across all health facilities, adding that protecting health workers is critical to sustaining an effective outbreak response.
The commissioner revealed that the state government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public sensitisation across the 23 local government areas of Benue State.
Residents were advised to remain calm but vigilant, as Lassa fever is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, and can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
Common symptoms i
nclude 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 prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms appear, noting that early treatment significantly improves survival.