The Benue State Government says the state has recorded 11 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and four deaths.
Dr Paul Ogwuche, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, disclosed this to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
Ogwuche said that more than 60 suspected cases of the virus have been reported in the state so far.
He stated that the government is doing all it can to ensure the virus does not spread beyond control.
He added that the government declared an outbreak of the virus in the state on Feb. 3.
“A Lassa fever update from our dashboard shows that we have 68 suspected cases, 11 confirmed cases, and three patients currently on admission. Out of the 11 confirmed cases, four have died, and four are health workers,” he said.
He urged the public to observe basic hygiene practices and maintain a clean environment.
On the condition of general hospitals in the state, Ogwuche said they are staffed by qualified doctors but regretted that the state has yet to attain the recommended doctor-to-patient ratio.
“Since this administration came on board, many positive changes have been made, especially in terms of manpower development in our health facilities.
“The Teaching Hospital has undergone significant transformation, accompanied by massive recruitment of workers. Also, in our primary healthcare facilities, recruitment has been carried out and is still ongoing.
“The Cancer Centre project is ongoing, but to the ordinary person, it may appear stalled. I have toured the facility and seen the level of work done.
“The building needs to be customized to accommodate the equipment being procured. It is beyond what you see. The equipment must be ordered, and delivery will take months, but I assure you that the project is dear to the governor.
“The wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, is also interested in it. It is at her instance that the cancer centre project is progressing.
“Having a cancer centre close to us will greatly benefit people battling cancer,” he said.
Ogwuche also urged the public to avoid overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments to guard against meningitis.
He said the government is currently carrying out extensive public health enlightenment campaigns on meningitis and the Lassa fever outbreak in the state.
“We have sent teams to communities and churches. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) came from Abuja to support us.
“They were in churches yesterday to speak to congregations on what they can do to avoid contracting these contagious diseases,” he said.
