Lassa fever kills four health workers in Benue as cases rise

The Benue State Government has confirmed that four healthcare workers have died in the wake of the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, with suspected infections rising in several parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing on the prevailing health situation.

He recalled that the state declared a Lassa fever outbreak weeks ago after documenting 53 suspected cases and three deaths. According to him, fresh figures from the ministry’s disease surveillance dashboard now show over 60 suspected cases and 11 laboratory-confirmed infections.

“The record from the ministry dashboard as of today indicates that there are over 60 suspected cases of Lassa fever in the state, while 11 cases have been confirmed, out of which four health workers died and three patients are on admission,” he said.

Ogwuche explained that the government has intensified containment efforts, including sensitisation campaigns and technical collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, aimed at curbing further spread of the virus.

Addressing concerns about manpower shortages caused by brain drain in the health sector, the commissioner stated that all 23 general hospitals across the state still have qualified medical doctors, although staffing levels have yet to meet recommended standards.

He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for ongoing reforms, highlighting improvements in recruitment and infrastructure across health facilities.

“The Teaching Hospital has undergone a lot of transformation, accompanied by massive recruitment of workers. Also in our primary health care facilities, recruitments have been done and are still ongoing,” he said.

On the proposed cancer treatment centre, Ogwuche assured residents that the project remains on track despite public concerns about its pace.

“Work on the cancer centre is ongoing, but if you look at the details of how these things work to an ordinary person, it looks as if it is stalled.

I have taken a tour of the hospital and seen where they are. The building needs to be customised to the equipment that would be installed. So, it is beyond what you are seeing.”

He stressed that the project enjoys the backing of the state government as well as Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

“These equipment need to be ordered. It will take months to be delivered, but I assure you that the project is dear to the Governor. The wife of the President, Sen. Remi Tinubu, is also interested in it. It is at her instance that the cancer centre is coming.”

According to him, the facility will significantly ease the burden on cancer patients in the state and neighbouring areas.

“Having a cancer centre close to us will do us a lot of good with what people are passing through with cancer. I assure you that the project is on board. Processing and a lot of things are happening underground.”

The commissioner also warned residents to take preventive measures as the meningitis season approaches, advising against overcrowding and urging strict adherence to public health guidelines.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily transmitted through exposure to food, surfaces, or household materials contaminated by the urine or droppings of infected Mastomys rats.

Early symptoms often include fever, headache, general weakness, vomiting, and muscle aches. In severe cases, complications such as hearing loss, organ failure, and death may occur.

Although there is currently no approved vaccine for Lassa fever, early diagnosis and prompt treatment particularly with the antiviral drug ribavirin significantly improve chances of survival.