The Benue State Authorities has confirmed that 4 healthcare workers are among the many newest victims of the continuing Lassa Fever outbreak within the state.

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The State Commissioner for Health and Human Companies, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed that these affected are three nurses and one group health employee who had been actively engaged in service inside the state on the time of an infection.

Dr. Ogwuche introduced this on Tuesday whereas formally declaring a Lassa Fever outbreak, following a surge in suspected and confirmed cases, as effectively as reported deaths in several elements of Benue.

Information launched by the Ministry of Health point out that 56 suspected cases have been recorded to date. Of this quantity, eight cases have been laboratory confirmed.

Three deaths have occurred amongst confirmed cases, whereas one further possible demise remains to be being investigated.

Describing the figures as worrisome, the commissioner mentioned the fatality fee underscored the seriousness of the outbreak and the necessity for pressing public health intervention.

“These numbers are troubling and demand rapid public health motion to stop additional unfold of the illness and cut back fatalities,” the commissioner mentioned.

He expressed specific concern over the an infection of frontline health personnel, noting that their publicity pointed to ongoing dangers and gaps in an infection management practices inside health services.

“I’m significantly anxious that 4 of our healthcare workers, three nurses and a group health employee, are amongst these infected. This underscores the dangers our health professionals face within the line of responsibility,” Ogwuche said.

The commissioner additionally mourned a medical physician of Benue origin who just lately misplaced his life to Lassa Fever whereas on responsibility in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as “a painful reminder of the sacrifices and dangers related to healthcare service.”

Dr. Ogwuche emphasised the significance of strict compliance with An infection Prevention and Management (IPC) protocols throughout all health services, stressing that safeguarding health workers was important to sustaining an efficient response to the outbreak.

He defined that the state’s response was in keeping with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s dedication to defending residents, including that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) had been activated to supervise surveillance, case administration, contact tracing and public consciousness campaigns throughout the 23 native authorities areas.

Residents had been suggested to stay calm however alert, as the commissioner defined that Lassa Fever is principally transmitted by contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, and also can unfold from individual to individual, particularly in healthcare settings with poor an infection management.

Signs of the illness embody persistent excessive fever, headache, muscle ache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in extreme cases, unexplained bleeding.

The Ministry of Health urged the general public to keep up correct environmental sanitation, retailer meals safely to discourage rodents, keep away from self-medication and search immediate medical care when signs seem, noting that early therapy considerably improves survival.

Members of the general public had been additionally inspired to report suspected cases by the Benue State Lassa Fever emergency hotline on **0803-929-4999** or to the closest Illness Surveillance and Notification Officer.