Benue govt confirms Lassa fever outbreak, doctors, nurses affected

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has officially confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, with four deaths recorded so far.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, made the disclosure during a press briefing, expressing worry that a significant number of those infected are healthcare personnel.

He revealed that three nurses and a Community Health Worker are among the confirmed cases.

Ogwuche stated that as of January 31, 2026, the state had documented fifty-six (56) suspected cases of Lassa fever, underscoring the heavy impact of the outbreak on frontline medical workers.

Giving a breakdown, he said, “out of these, eight (8) cases have been laboratory-confirmed, with three (3) deaths among confirmed cases and one (1) additional death classified as a probable case which brings the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) among confirmed cases to 37.5%.”

He explained that the trend highlights the serious occupational risks faced by health professionals and called for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all healthcare facilities.

The commissioner also lamented the death of a Benue-born medical doctor who died from Lassa fever while on duty in Jos, Plateau State.

He said, “on behalf of the Government and people of Benue State, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and the medical communities of both Benue and Plateau States.”

Following epidemiological findings and risk assessment, the ministry formally declared a Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State.

Ogwuche clarified that the declaration was not intended to cause panic but to encourage residents and healthcare workers to take preventive measures seriously and seek early medical attention.

He explained that, “Lassa Fever is transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents (rats) or their urine and faeces, as well as through human-to-human transmission, especially in healthcare settings.”

He urged residents who experience symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea in severe cases, or unexplained bleeding to report immediately to the nearest health facility.

According to him, early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improve survival chances.

He further advised the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases, noting that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) are stationed across all 23 local government areas of the state.

Reassuring residents, the commissioner said the Ministry of Health, through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), has activated comprehensive response measures to contain the outbreak.

He added, “With the cooperation of the public and dedication of our healthcare workforce, and the continued support of our partners, we are confident in our collective ability to control this outbreak and protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.”