The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has declared a Lassa Fever outbreak in the state, following a comprehensive risk assessment and the recording of 56 suspected cases, including 8 laboratory-confirmed cases and 4 deaths. He emphasized that the declaration is not intended 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 care early.
Addressing Journalists on Tuesday at the Emergency Operation Center of the Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, revealed that 4 of the confirmed cases were healthcare professionals, highlighting the occupational risk faced by frontline health workers.
“Of particular concern is the impact of this outbreak on healthcare workers. Four (4) of the confirmed cases are healthcare professionals including three nurses and one Community Health Worker. This 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.
“It is also with profound sadness that we recall the recent loss of a Benue-born medical doctor, who succumbed to Lassa Fever in the line of duty in Jos, Plateau State, where she was practicing. 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.
“The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to inform the public that, as of 31st January 2026, the State has recorded a total of fifty-six (56) suspected cases of Lassa Fever. 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. This brings the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) among confirmed cases to 37.5%.”, he said
The Ministry has urged the public to take preventive measures seriously and seek early treatment, as the disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and faeces, as well as human-to-human transmission, especially in healthcare settings.
According to him, symptoms of Lassa Fever include persistent high fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding. Dr. Ogwuche advised the public to report immediately to the nearest healthcare facility if they experience these symptoms.
He stated that the state has activated its response mechanisms to contain the outbreak and is working with partners to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.
“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, the 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 stated
The state Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega revealed that the Ministry of Health has been proactive in creating awareness about Lassa Fever, conducting community campaigns and educating the public on preventive measures, including environmental clean-up.
“The Ministry had carried out these activities in the last quarter of 2025, even when transmission was low, to prepare the people for the peak period. Despite resource constraints, they continue to work on preparedness activities.
“The current outbreak has affected Makurdi, Buruku, and Ushongo Local Government Areas, with Makurdi reporting the highest number of suspected and confirmed cases, totaling seven (7). Buruku has one (1) confirmed case. Contact tracing is ongoing, and patients are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, due to a strike at BSUTH”, he said
