The Benue State Government has officially declared an outbreak of Lassa fever following the recording of no fewer than 56 suspected cases across the state. The declaration was made by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr Paul Ogwuche in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Dr Ogwuche said the declaration followed a steady increase in suspected and confirmed cases as well as reported deaths, which necessitated urgent public health action to prevent further spread of the disease. He disclosed that eight of the suspected cases have been laboratory confirmed with three deaths recorded among confirmed patients and one additional probable death currently under investigation.
According to the commissioner the figures indicate a high fatality rate among confirmed cases which has raised serious concern among health authorities in the state. He also revealed that four healthcare workers comprising three nurses and one community health worker have been infected in the course of managing patients.
Dr Ogwuche expressed deep concern over the exposure of frontline health workers to the virus and paid tribute to a Benue born medical doctor who recently died of Lassa fever while serving in Jos Plateau State. He described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by medical professionals.
The commissioner said the state government has activated its emergency response mechanisms including the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance case management contact tracing and public sensitisation across all 23 local government areas. He stressed the need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control measures in all health facilities to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Dr Ogwuche urged residents to remain calm but vigilant noting that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings and can also spread from person to person especially in healthcare settings. He advised residents to maintain good environmental hygiene store food properly avoid self medication and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as persistent fever headache vomiting or unexplained bleeding occur.
He added that early detection and prompt treatment greatly improve survival and encouraged residents to report suspected cases through the state emergency hotline or to the nearest health authority.
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