By Nworisa Michael
The Benue State Government has confirmed the death of 10 health workers following a Lassa fever outbreak, with 45 cases testing positive out of 250 suspected infections recorded across the state.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, disclosed the figures during an assessment visit by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, to isolation centres at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre Makurdi.
According to Asema, the outbreak has heavily impacted frontline health personnel, including five medical doctors, four nurses, two community health extension workers, and a hospital porter. He described the increasing infections among healthcare workers as deeply concerning.
Out of the 250 suspected cases so far, 45 have been laboratory-confirmed, with 10 cumulative deaths recorded among health workers.
During the visit, Commissioner Ejeh-Ogwuche urged residents not to panic, noting that the state government officially declared the outbreak on February 3 and has since activated response and containment measures.
He attributed the high rate of infection among health personnel to human-to-human transmission and lapses in infection prevention and control protocols.
“We are here to assess the situation firsthand. While the numbers are troubling, the government under Governor Hyacinth Alia remains fully committed to containing the outbreak. Resources are being mobilised to ensure swift intervention,” he said.
The commissioner added that surveillance teams have been deployed across all 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing, and community engagement. He also urged residents to promptly report symptoms at designated health facilities to reduce fatalities.
At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, said infection prevention protocols have been intensified. However, he called for urgent upgrades to isolation centres, including patient monitors, improved waste management systems, and a fully functional on-site emergency laboratory.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Michael Agbir, described the situation as unusual compared to previous years. He revealed that between January and February 2026, the hospital recorded 28 admissions, 17 confirmed cases, and three deaths.
At Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Joseph Kontor, represented by Dr. Uche Augustine Azuka, highlighted challenges with unstable power supply affecting laboratory services and delaying test results.
He explained that the hospital’s molecular laboratory conducts tests for Lassa fever, COVID-19, cholera, hepatitis B and C, among other diseases, but relies heavily on inconsistent public electricity.
Kontor appealed to the state government for support in improving power supply, providing consumables and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He stressed that patients are being treated and discharged free of charge, which is placing financial strain on the facility.
The Coordinator of the isolation centre and Head of Clinical Services at FMC Apir, Dr. Michael Odoh, disclosed that 10 patients are currently on admission, comprising eight confirmed and two suspected cases, including four health workers who are responding to treatment. He added that three doctors are in self-isolation and are also recovering.
