At the Lassa fever isolation centre in Makurdi, care delivery is now defined by heightened vigilance as Benue State intensifies its response to the outbreak, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, placing renewed emphasis on protecting frontline health workers.
Every patient presenting with persistent fever is now managed under strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, aimed at ensuring early treatment while preventing hospital-based transmission.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a moderate increase in suspected cases, especially among patients with prolonged fever,” said Nurse Priscila Agber of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH). “With infections among health workers increasing, everyone is more alert.”
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Nigeria recorded 637 confirmed cases and 160 deaths as of 22 March 2026.
In Benue State alone, authorities report 291 suspected cases, 50 confirmed cases, and 12 deaths, including 14 infections among health workers, the highest in the country and accounting for 36% of all health worker infections nationwide.
Health Worker Infections Raise Alarm Over IPC Gaps
Health authorities say the disproportionate infection rate among health workers highlights critical gaps in facility-level IPC compliance, exposing weaknesses in screening, triage, and protective measures.
Benue State Epidemiologist, Dr Paul Asema, noted that delayed care-seeking is worsening exposure risks.
“Many patients, including health workers, arrive late after visiting multiple facilities without proper screening,” he said. “This increases exposure risk, especially where IPC is not consistently applied.”
He added that inconsistent adherence to safety protocols across facilities remains a major challenge in controlling hospital-based transmission.
From 2025 Preparedness to 2026 Response Expansion
During the 2025 outbreak season, the Benue State Government, with support from World Health Organization, focused on community awareness, early detection, referral systems, and infection prevention measures.
However, by 2026, new operational gaps emerged, including weak IPC adherence, delayed presentation of cases, and shortages of protective equipment, prompting an expanded response.
With support from NCDC, WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other partners, the state strengthened IPC in priority facilities through improved triage systems, hand hygiene infrastructure, waste management, and structured staff training.
More than 125 health workers have now been trained in case identification and IPC compliance, while laboratories continue high-volume testing for early detection.
WHO and Partners Supply Protective Equipment
To reinforce frontline safety, WHO and partners delivered personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns, masks, N95 respirators, and other safety materials to treatment facilities across the state.
“WHO’s technical guidance and supplies have improved how we work,” said Nurse Agber. “We are more confident managing suspected cases safely.”
A WHO State Coordinator, Dr Abdulkarim, said the response is focused on closing persistent gaps.
“The rise in infections among health workers shows that gaps remain in consistent IPC implementation across facilities,” he said. “Our priority is to support the government to close these gaps by strengthening supervision, ensuring availability and proper use of protective equipment, and reinforcing early detection systems to reduce exposure risks.”
Community Awareness Improves Early Reporting
Community engagement continues to play a critical role in reducing transmission risks by encouraging early presentation and improved hygiene practices, in line with Nigeria’s National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).
“In our community, people now understand the risk,” said Mr Alfred Jande, a farmer in Makurdi LGA. “When fever persists, we seek care quickly.”
Residents also report improvements in sanitation practices, including better food storage and reduced rodent exposure—key drivers in Lassa fever transmission.
State authorities say these behavioural changes are contributing to earlier reporting and improved outbreak response.
System Strengthening and Remaining Challenges
The response is being coordinated by the Benue State Ministry of Health, the NCDC, and supported by WHO and international partners.
At the national level, WHO continues to support surveillance, laboratory strengthening, and emergency coordination under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
A joint mission involving NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and MSF recently assessed treatment and laboratory capacity in Makurdi, reaffirming government leadership in outbreak management.
Despite progress, officials acknowledge ongoing challenges, including persistent health worker infections, uneven IPC compliance, and delayed patient presentation.
Sustaining Gains While Closing Critical Gaps
Authorities say Benue’s response in 2026 is more structured than in previous years, with improved detection systems, stronger coordination, and increased awareness.
However, continued infections among health workers highlight the urgent need to fully standardise IPC practices across all health facilities, ensure sustained availability of protective equipment, and deepen community engagement to reduce late presentation.
Health experts warn that without closing these gaps, transmission risks will remain high, particularly in frontline care settings, despite ongoing national and international support.
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