Health Workers at Risk over Benue State Lassa Fever Outbreak
Health Workers at Risk over Benue State Lassa Fever Outbreak
By Abdulrazak Tomiwa
The Benue State Ministry of Health has declared a fresh Lassa fever outbreak following 56 suspected cases.
Currently, eight cases have been laboratory-confirme, leading to three fatalities, with one additional death still being investigated.
Four frontline health workers, including three nurses and one community health worker, are among those infected. This spike in medical staff infections highlights the extreme risks faced by those treating patients during this surge.
Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health, expressed deep concern over the severity of the current situation. He stated, “This figure indicates a high case fatality rate among confirmed cases, raising serious concern among health authorities.”
The commissioner also mourned a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died from the disease while practicing in Plateau State.
Her passing has served as a grim reminder of the virus’s impact on the medical community.
The state has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance and contact tracing across all local government areas.
Residents are urged to practice strict hygiene and keep food away from rodents to prevent further spread.
Public health officials advise citizens to report symptoms like high fever and muscle pain to clinics immediately. Early medical intervention remains the most effective strategy to improve survival rates and control the viral outbreak.
