Benue Doctor Dies from Lassa Fever Amid Outbreak

A doctor in Benue State died from Lassa fever following a two-week struggle with the illness. Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuch, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, confirmed the development on Monday in Makurdi.

The deceased had been battling the illness for two weeks, with his condition worsening before a friend suggested a Lassa fever test, which returned positive. Despite a request for admission to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, he was declined and managed at home.

Initial investigations indicated that the deceased already had kidney complications, leading to a referral to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State. He was later brought back to Benue.

Following the renewed outbreak, the Ministry intensified public awareness campaigns and reactivated response measures across communities. Health authorities are on alert due to recent updates on infectious disease threats, including Ebola, and are enhancing surveillance across health facilities.