The Benue State Government has confirmed the deaths of four health workers following a Lassa fever outbreak, as suspected cases continue to rise across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the latest situation.
Ogwuche recalled that the state had officially declared an outbreak weeks earlier after recording 53 suspected cases and three deaths.
He said the ministry’s disease surveillance dashboard now shows more than 60 suspected cases, with 11 confirmed infections.
“The record from the ministry dashboard as of today indicates that there are over 60 suspected cases of Lassa fever in the state, while 11 cases have been confirmed, out of which four health workers died and three patients are on admission,” he said.
The commissioner noted that vigorous response efforts, including public enlightenment and technical support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, were ongoing to curb the disease.
He also explained that despite the brain drain affecting the health sector, all 23 general hospitals in the state are still manned by qualified medical doctors, although recommended staffing ratios have yet to be attained.
While commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for reforms in the sector, Ogwuche highlighted improvements in manpower recruitment and infrastructure.
“The Teaching Hospital has undergone a lot of transformation, accompanied by massive recruitment of workers. Also in our primary health care facilities, recruitments have been done and are still ongoing,” he said.
Speaking on the proposed cancer treatment centre, the commissioner assured residents that the project remained on course.
He added, “Work on the cancer centre is ongoing, but if you look at the details of how these things work to an ordinary person, it looks as if it is stalled. I have taken a tour of the hospital and seen where they are. The building needs to be customised to the equipment that would be installed. So, it is beyond what you are seeing.”
He added that the project had strong backing from the state government and support from Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
“These equipment need to be ordered. It will take months to be delivered, but I assure you that the project is dear to the Governor. The wife of the President, Sen. Remi Tinubu, is also interested in it. It is at her instance that the cancer centre is coming.”
Ogwuche stressed the importance of the facility for residents battling cancer.
“Having a cancer centre close to us will do us a lot of good with what people are passing through with cancer. I assure you that the project is on board. Processing and a lot of things are happening underground.”
He also warned residents about the approaching meningitis season, advising them to avoid overcrowded environments and maintain preventive health measures.
Lassa fever is a serious viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. It spreads mainly through contact with food, surfaces, or household items contaminated by the urine or droppings of infected Mastomys rats.
Early symptoms often include fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the illness can lead to complications such as hearing loss, organ failure, or even death.
There is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever. However, early diagnosis, prompt supportive care, and treatment with the antiviral drug ribavirin can significantly improve survival chances.
