Benue State is grappling with a severe outbreak of Lassa Fever, with 45 confirmed cases and 10 deaths reported so far, the state government has disclosed.
Health officials have raised concerns over the growing number of infections among medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, community health workers, and hospital support staff.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, revealed to ENigeria Newspaper that five doctors, four nurses, two community extension workers, and one hospital porter are among those infected, highlighting lapses in infection-prevention protocols as a key factor in human-to-human transmission.
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, visited patients at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Apir, reassuring citizens that the government is intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak. “These figures are concerning, but the state government under Governor Hyacinth Alia is fully committed to controlling the spread and ensuring patients recover quickly,” Ogwuche said.
During the visits, Dr. Ogwuche emphasized that surveillance officers have been deployed across all 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing, and community engagement. He urged residents to promptly report any symptoms at designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment.
BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, confirmed that the hospital has implemented robust measures to contain the virus and appealed to the public to strictly follow infection prevention guidelines. Prof. Michael Agbir, Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, noted that the current outbreak is unusually severe compared to previous years. Between January and February 2026, the hospital admitted 28 patients, with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths recorded.
Dr. Ogwuche commended health workers for their dedication and sacrifices during the outbreak and expressed sympathy for the families of those who have lost their lives.
As authorities continue efforts to curb the virus, residents are urged to exercise caution, adhere to hygiene protocols, and seek medical care immediately if symptoms arise.
