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Fresh Lassa Fever outbreak claims doctor in Benue
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Fresh Lassa Fever outbreak claims doctor in Benue

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A medical doctor has died from Lassa fever in Benue State, Nigeria, prompting health authorities to activate emergency response measures.
  • The deceased doctor, who worked with APIN Foundation, initially self-treated before being diagnosed with the disease.
  • State officials are intensifying surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread, resetting the timeline for declaring the outbreak over.

Benue State in Nigeria is grappling with a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever, which has tragically claimed the life of a medical doctor. The incident has spurred health authorities into action, initiating emergency containment protocols, including rigorous contact tracing and enhanced surveillance across the state.

There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. One doctor died. The victim worked with APIN Foundation in Konshisha LGA but hailed from the Kwande axis.

— Paul OgwucheBenue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, confirming the Lassa fever outbreak and the death of a doctor.

The deceased, identified as a medical professional attached to the APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area, reportedly battled the illness for over two weeks. Initially, the doctor attempted to manage the symptoms at home before seeking care at a private hospital. It was there that preliminary tests indicated Lassa fever.

For over two weeks, he struggled with the illness. When there was no improvement, one of his friends suggested that his symptoms were indicative of Lassa fever. A preliminary test was conducted and it returned positive.

— Paul OgwucheDescribing the initial stages of the doctor's illness and diagnosis.

Health officials attempted to transfer the doctor to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for specialized care, but the patient initially opted for continued home treatment. Complications arose, including kidney issues, necessitating a transfer to Jos University Teaching Hospital, where the doctor ultimately passed away. The body was returned for burial on June 20, 2026.

When we wanted to admit him at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, he requested medication for home treatment, but we insisted that it would not work that way.

— Paul OgwucheExplaining the challenges in getting the doctor admitted for specialized treatment.

According to Paul Ogwuche, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, there are currently no other confirmed Lassa fever patients admitted to hospitals within the state. The commissioner assured residents that emergency response measures are in full effect, encompassing case management, contact tracing, heightened surveillance, and public awareness campaigns. The emergence of this case has reset the 42-day monitoring period required to officially declare the outbreak concluded.

So far, there is no other person on admission in any hospital in the state. In fact, we were preparing to declare the outbreak over before this case emerged.

— Paul OgwucheProviding an update on the current number of Lassa fever patients in the state.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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