𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘁 56!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan (Editor -in- chief) | Sele Media Africa Journalist
Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following a sharp rise in suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases across the region. Health authorities revealed that the outbreak has reached alarming levels, prompting immediate public health action.
According to the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the state has recorded 56 suspected cases of Lassa fever, of which eight (8) are laboratory-confirmed. Tragically, three deaths have been confirmed among the infected patients, with an additional probable fatality still under investigation.
Dr. Ogwuche disclosed that four healthcare professionals — including three nurses and one community health worker — are among those infected, underscoring the heightened risk to frontline health workers. The outbreak was declared after comprehensive epidemiological assessments indicated sustained transmission within the state.
The Ministry of Health has moved to activate emergency response mechanisms to contain the outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, case management, and infection prevention and control measures in health facilities statewide. Officials stressed that early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to improving survival outcomes.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in parts of West Africa, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents and their excreta, and can spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings without adequate protective measures.
Residents of Benue State are urged to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as persistent fever, severe headache, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding develop. Health officials also advised reporting suspected cases to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all local government areas.
The Benue State Ministry of Health has reassured the public that all necessary resources and partnerships are being mobilised to contain the outbreak and protect the well-being of the population.
Citations:
1.Punch Newspaper: https://punchng.com/benue-declares-lassa-fever-outbreak-as-suspected-cases-hit-56/
2 BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/benue-state-declares-lassa-fever-outbreak-4-dead/
- NigerianEye: https://www.nigerianeye.com/2026/02/benue-declares-lassa-fever-outbreak56.html
nigerianeye.com - IdomaVoice https://idomavoice.com/benue-govt-confirms-lassa-fever-outbreak-doctors-nurses-affected/
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