The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has officially declared Lassa fever outbreak in the State, resulting to the death of four persons.
Paul Ogwuche, the commissioner who disclosed this during a press conference, lamented that Four (4) out of the 8 confirmed cases are healthcare professionals which include three nurses and one Community Health Worker.
Ogwuche explained that as of 31st January 2026, the State recorded a total of fifty-six (56) suspected cases of Lassa Fever, lamenting on the impact of the outbreak on healthcare workers.
According to him, “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 said the outbreak underscores the heightened occupational risk faced by frontline health workers and the urgent need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures across all health facilities.
The commissioner also recalled with sadness the recent loss of a Benue-born medical doctor, who he said succumbed to Lassa Fever in the line of duty in Jos, Plateau State, where she was practicing.
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.
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In view of the epidemiological data and following a comprehensive risk assessment, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services hereby officially declares a Lassa Fever outbreak in Benue State.
The commissioner, however, informed that the declaration of the outbreak is not intended in any way to cause panic, but rather to serve as a call to action for both healthcare workers and the public to take preventive measures seriously and to seek early treatment.
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.
Ogwuche urged anyone experiencing symptoms like Persistent high fever, Headache, Sore throat, Muscle pain, Vomiting, diarrhoea in severe cases, unexplained bleeding to promptly visit the nearest health facility for early detection and treatment.
He maintained that early detection and prompt treatment will significantly improve survival outcomes, advising members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected symptoms around their community saying, information and assistance are also available through the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in all 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
While appealing to the public not to panic, the commissioner said the ministry of Health, through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), has activated all necessary response mechanisms to contain the outbreak.
“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,” he added.
