Benue doctor dies of Lassa fever as state records fresh outbreak

Benue State in Nigeria is grappling with a resurgence of Lassa fever following the death of a senior medical doctor working with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN). The doctor, who hailed from Kwande Local Government Area, died in Makurdi after a prolonged struggle with the illness.

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There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. He was a doctor and was buried last Saturday, June 20, 2026. He worked with APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area but hailed from Kwande Local Government Area.

Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, confirmed the case on Monday. He stated that the deceased had been ill for over two weeks, and initial tests indicated Lassa fever. Despite suggestions to manage him at home, health officials insisted on admission to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for proper evaluation. His condition necessitated a referral to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, where he ultimately passed away.

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For over two weeks, he was struggling, and when there was no improvement, a friend suggested his condition was suggestive of Lassa fever. A test carried out returned positive.

This new outbreak comes at a critical time, as Benue State was nearing the end of a 42-day monitoring period, after which it could have been declared free of Lassa fever. The commissioner noted that the deceased also had pre-existing kidney complications, which may have exacerbated his illness. His remains were returned to Benue and buried according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention protocols.

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So when we wanted to admit him at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, he declined, requesting to be managed at home with drugs and injections. We insisted that he be taken to the teaching hospital for proper evaluation.

In response, the Ministry of Health has reactivated comprehensive surveillance measures, including intensified public awareness campaigns and rigorous contact tracing. Health authorities are on high alert for other infectious disease threats, such as Ebola, while surveillance systems in health facilities have been strengthened. A fresh observation cycle is now required before the state can attempt to be declared free of the fever again.

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As a result, we referred him to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, where he later died. His remains were brought back and buried in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention burial protocols on Saturday.