Benue State has recorded two deaths from Lassa fever as the number of cases in the state continues to rise, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, has disclosed.
Dr Ogwuche, who spoke with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, said there had been a noticeable surge in Lassa fever cases in the state over the past two weeks.
He explained that the state currently has nine suspected cases on its dashboard, with five confirmed positive and two resulting in fatalities.
According to the commissioner, the affected areas are Makurdi and Buruku local government areas, which have recorded the highest number of cases. He also revealed that two health workers are among those infected.
“As we speak now, there are nine suspected cases of Lassa fever on our dashboard. About five have tested positive, with two resulting in mortality. Among the five positive cases, two involved health workers,” Dr Ogwuche said.
He further explained that two cases originated from Buruku but were diagnosed in Makurdi, underlining the movement of patients seeking treatment in the state capital.
The commissioner said the ministry had activated its rapid response team and the public health emergency operations centre to contain the outbreak.
He added that health campaigns have been intensified to educate residents on preventive measures.
“We have stepped up our health campaigns, enlightening people on how they can avoid this disease,” he said.
Dr Ogwuche urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and environmental sanitation, stressing that contact with rodents, the primary carriers of the virus, should be avoided.
“Cases are high now, especially during the dry season when grasses are burnt. These rodents begin to look for hiding places and enter homes. If food, especially raw food, is left uncovered, they can contaminate it,” he warned.
He also noted that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to managing the disease, adding that two new cases diagnosed recently are yet to show symptoms but have been isolated to begin treatment.
The commissioner listed common symptoms of Lassa fever to include prolonged fever, body weakness, fatigue and bleeding from the mouth and other body openings.
He said the ministry is strengthening laboratory capacity and will hold a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Federal Medical Centre, the teaching hospital hosting the state isolation centre, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiologists and donor partners to contain the outbreak.
“We are determined to ensure that this deadly disease is brought under control,” he said.
