Two lives lost as Lassa Fever cases increase to nine in Benue

Benue State has recorded the loss of two persons to Lassa fever, days after health authorities confirmed fresh cases of the viral disease in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi, noting a steady rise in reported cases over the past two weeks.

According to him, updates from the state’s disease surveillance system show that two new suspected cases were recently added, bringing the total number to nine. Of this figure, five cases have been laboratory-confirmed, with two resulting in fatalities.

“As we speak now, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever in our dashboard. About five are positive, and unfortunately, two of them have resulted in mortality,” Ogwuche said.

He explained that the cases were largely linked to Buruku and Makurdi Local Government Areas, adding that some health workers were also affected.

“The cases involved are in Buruku and Makurdi LGAs. Two cases came from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi. There are also cases involving two health workers,” he added.

Ogwuche said the state government has activated emergency response measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

“As a ministry, we have responded appropriately. We have our incident rapid response team, activated our Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and put in place all necessary mechanisms,” he stated.

The commissioner urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and take steps to prevent contact with rodents, especially rats, which transmit the virus.

“The people must pay attention to hygiene and sanitation. Avoid rodents, especially rats. During the dry season, when grasses are burnt, rodents seek shelter in homes. If food, especially raw food items, is left uncovered, it,” he warned.

He also said surveillance activities have been intensified across all local government areas to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.

“One of the best ways to manage Lassa fever is early diagnosis and treatment. We have disease surveillance officers in all LGAs, and we have heightened their level of suspicion,” Ogwuche said.

Ogwuche further explained that the two newly identified cases, though not showing symptoms, would be isolated as a precautionary measure.

“The two cases are not symptomatic, but we want to take them into isolation so we can commence all management protocols,” he said.

He appealed to the public to promptly report symptoms such as prolonged fever, weakness, fatigue or any form of bleeding.

The commissioner added that the ministry would soon convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving key institutions and partners to strengthen containment efforts.

“We are involving the Federal Medical Centre, which hosts the molecular laboratory, the Teaching Hospital where the state isolation centre is located, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiology teams, and donor partners to ensure this deadly disease is contained,” he said.