A senior medical doctor working with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State has died from complications of Lassa fever.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, confirmed the death on Monday in Makurdi. The deceased, who hailed from Kwande Local Government Area, was buried on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
According to the commissioner, the doctor had been struggling with the illness for over two weeks. A friend suspected Lassa fever, and a test later returned positive. The doctor initially declined admission at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, opting for home management with drugs and injections, but was eventually taken to the hospital for proper evaluation.
The development comes at a time when the state was preparing to declare itself free of Lassa fever after completing a 42-day incubation monitoring period. The fresh case has now prompted health authorities to reactivate contact tracing, surveillance, and sensitization campaigns across communities.
Dr. Ejeh-Ogwuche stated that health facilities have been placed on alert, with strengthened measures in response to the new case and other infectious disease threats, including Ebola.
The incident has raised concerns about the resurgence of Lassa fever in Benue State, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly.
