Fresh Lassa Fever Outbreak Hits Benue as Senior Doctor Dies

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

A senior medical doctor in Benue State has died from complications arising from Lassa fever, prompting health authorities to declare a fresh outbreak of the disease in the state. The deceased, who worked with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) in Konshisha Local Government Area, reportedly battled the illness for more than two weeks before testing positive for Lassa fever. 

Confirming the development on Monday, Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, said the doctor initially declined admission at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital despite medical advice. He was later referred to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, where he eventually died. 

According to the commissioner, the deceased, who hailed from Kwande Local Government Area, was buried on June 20 in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's safety protocols for Lassa fever victims. Investigations also revealed that he had underlying kidney complications, which may have worsened his condition. 

The fresh case has disrupted plans by the state government to declare Benue free of Lassa fever after nearly completing a 42-day monitoring period without new infections. Health authorities have now restarted surveillance efforts, contact tracing, and public sensitisation campaigns to contain the outbreak. 

Dr. Ejeh-Ogwuche said hospitals and health facilities across the state have been placed on alert, while disease monitoring has been intensified amid concerns over other infectious diseases. He urged residents to promptly report symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary. 

Benue has faced repeated Lassa fever outbreaks in recent months, with health officials expressing concern over infections among healthcare workers and the need for stricter infection prevention measures.