Benue Govt Reports 250 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, 45 Confirmed, 10 Deaths

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has raised alarm over a worsening outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, revealing that out of 250 suspected cases reported so far, 45 have been confirmed positive, with 10 cumulative deaths recorded.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr.

Msuega Asema, disclosed this when the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, visited the isolation centres at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and Federal Medical Centre Apir, where affected patients are currently receiving treatment.
Dr. Asema expressed concern that a significant number of health workers are among those infected, including five medical doctors, four nurses, two community extension workers and one hospital porter. She lamented the growing rate of infection among frontline health personnel in the state.
Speaking separately at the two facilities, Dr. Ogwuche urged residents not to panic over the figures, noting that the state government had already declared a viral outbreak on February 3 and was intensifying efforts to contain the disease.
He said the visit was to show solidarity with patients and reassure them that they are not alone, adding that the government is doing everything possible to ensure their speedy recovery and safe return to their homes.
“We have also come to assess the situation on ground. So far, five doctors and other health workers are involved in this infection. This is human-to-human transmission, largely due to lapses in infection prevention. We are here to see how the centres are operating and how we can move forward to quickly contain the outbreak in our state.
“Yes, the data may appear threatening, but I want to assure residents that the government under Governor Hyacinth Alia is fully committed and doing its best to contain this condition as soon as possible,” he stated.
Ogwuche announced that surveillance officers have been deployed across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing and community engagement to curb further spread of the virus. He also appealed to individuals experiencing symptoms to promptly report to designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment.
The commissioner commended health workers for their dedication and sacrifice, while sympathizing with families who lost loved ones and assuring them of government support.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Stephen Hwande, provided an update on measures being taken to manage the outbreak. He appreciated the commissioner’s visit and stated that the hospital had put necessary measures in place to contain the disease, urging residents to strictly observe infection prevention protocols.
He emphasized the urgent need to upgrade isolation centres with patient monitors, improved waste management systems and other essential equipment, including establishing a functional emergency laboratory within the centre for on-site testing.
The Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Michael Agbir, described the situation as unusual compared to previous years. He disclosed that between January and February 2026, the hospital recorded 28 admissions, with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths.
At Federal Medical Centre Apir, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Joseph Kontor, represented by Dr. Uche Azuka, conducted the commissioner round the molecular laboratory and isolation centre. He noted that the laboratory conducts tests for COVID-19, Lassa fever, chickenpox, cholera, hepatitis B and C, among other molecular diagnoses.
Prof. Kontor decried inadequate power supply as a major challenge affecting effective service delivery at the isolation centre. He explained that reliance on public electricity makes it difficult to conduct tests regularly and release results promptly, appealing to the state government for intervention.
He further requested government assistance with consumables and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), noting that patients are currently treated and discharged free of charge.
“The Lassa fever outbreak affects all of us. When the isolation centre at the teaching hospital was shut down earlier, most patients were referred to Keffi in Nasarawa State. That informed our decision to activate this centre here. However, treating these patients places a heavy financial burden on us.
“In some states, there is a cost-sharing arrangement where government pays 60 percent and patients pay 40 percent. Sustainability without funding is a serious challenge. The funds must come either from government or patients. Previously, we provided everything, but that is no longer feasible. There should be a clear policy on the management of patients at the isolation centre. If treatment is 100 percent free, it should be clearly stated; if patients are to bear part of the cost, that should also be made clear. FMC Makurdi needs the support of the state government,” he added.
The Coordinator of the isolation centre and Head of Clinical Services at FMC, Dr. Michael Odoh, disclosed that 10 patients are currently on admission at the facility — two suspected and eight confirmed cases. Among the confirmed cases are four health workers, comprising two nurses, one doctor and one porter, all of whom are responding well to treatment.
He added that three additional doctors are currently in self-isolation and are also responding positively to treatment.