Benue Mourns Two Doctors as Lassa Fever Claims One, Bone Marrow Failure Takes Another

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A senior medical doctor working with the APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State has died following a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the development to journalists in Makurdi on Monday, disclosing that the ministry has commenced case and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the disease.
According to Ogwuche, the deceased battled the illness for more than two weeks before eventually succumbing. He noted that the state was on the verge of declaring the outbreak over before the latest case emerged a few days ago.
He said emergency response measures have been activated to contain the viral disease and safeguard residents.
The commissioner explained that the ministry has intensified public awareness campaigns and community sensitisation efforts following the new outbreak.
“There is a fresh case of Lassa Fever in the state. Only one doctor has died. The victim was buried on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He worked with the APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area but hailed from the Kwande axis.
“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 surfaced. The doctor initially managed the illness at home and in a private hospital.
“For over two weeks, he struggled with the ailment. When there was no improvement, one of his friends suspected Lassa Fever and conducted a preliminary test, which came back positive.
“When we wanted to admit him at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, he preferred treatment at home and requested medications and injections. However, we insisted on proper hospital care, and he was eventually admitted for further tests,” he said.
Ogwuche further revealed that investigations showed the victim’s kidneys had been affected by the disease.
“We had to refer him to Jos for further management. He eventually died there, and his remains were brought back from the Jos University Teaching Hospital and buried on Saturday,” he added.
Speaking on measures being taken to prevent additional cases, the commissioner said the state government has strengthened surveillance and emergency response systems.
“With the recent Ebola outbreak concerns, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has continued to provide updates and place states on alert. We have also taken similar precautions.
“We have reviewed our facilities, intensified surveillance, and commenced case and contact tracing for this particular incident. Public enlightenment efforts are ongoing, including engagements with the media. We are also considering training church leaders, mosque leaders, and traditional rulers because of their strong presence in communities.
“As I mentioned earlier, we were close to declaring the outbreak over after the 42-day incubation period before this case occurred. This remains the only confirmed case for now. We will have to observe another 42-day incubation period before considering such a declaration again. We are also beginning to view the disease as becoming endemic, despite its seasonal pattern. Continuous public education remains essential,” Ogwuche stated.
Meanwhile, another medical doctor, Dr. Tyoor Cedric Kondom, who recently graduated and was awaiting