Benue Deploys 23 Officers To Curb Lassa Fever Surge

The Benue State commissioner for health and human services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has disclosed that 23 surveillance officers have been deployed across the 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing, and community engagement aimed at curbing further spread of Lassa fever.

The commissioner who stated this during his on-the-spot assessment visit to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi isolation centre confirmed the rising number of Lassa fever cases and assured that the state government is intensifying response efforts to contain the outbreak.

Ogwuche urged residents to promptly report symptoms at designated health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, stressing that timely intervention remains critical in reducing fatalities associated with Lassa fever.

Receiving the health commissioner, the chief medical director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, raised alarm over the surge in Lassa fever cases, with 28 suspected cases recorded at the hospital as of February 2026.

Dr. Hwande commended the commissioner for the visit and noted that hospital management has reinforced infection prevention and control measures.

Hwande called for urgent intervention to upgrade the isolation centre with patient monitors, improved waste management systems, and other essential equipment.

Head, Public Relations and Protocol,
Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Tsenzughul Moses, in a statement said Hwande also revealed plans to establish a functional emergency laboratory within the centre for on-site testing.

The Benue State Epidemiologist, Dr. Msuega Asema, has confirmed that as of February 26, 2026, no fewer than 45 cases of Lassa fever have been confirmed out of 250 suspected cases statewide, with 10 cumulative deaths.

Asema noted infections among healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and called for calm as containment of the Lassa fever efforts continue.

The chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Michael Agbir, described the situation as unusual compared to previous years.

Agbir disclosed that between January and February 2026, the hospital recorded 28 admissions, with 17 confirmed cases on admission and three deaths.