Mirian Gom 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – A senior medical doctor working with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria has died from complications linked to Lassa fever in Benue State, prompting health authorities to reactivate surveillance and contact tracing measures.
The deceased doctor, who worked in Konshisha Local Government Area, reportedly battled the illness for more than two weeks before testing positive for Lassa fever.
Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Monday in Makurdi.
“There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. He was a doctor and was buried last Saturday, June 20, 2026,” the commissioner said.
According to him, the deceased worked with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria in Konshisha but hailed from Kwande Local Government Area.
Ogwuche disclosed that the doctor initially declined hospital admission despite medical advice.
“When we wanted to admit him at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, he declined, requesting to be managed at home with drugs and injections,” he said.
Health officials later referred him to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital after investigations indicated underlying kidney complications.
He subsequently died while receiving treatment.
The commissioner said the remains were buried in accordance with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention protocols for Lassa fever victims.
“As a result, we referred him to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, where he later died,” Ogwuche said.
The new case emerged as Benue was preparing to declare the end of its Lassa fever outbreak after completing a 42-day monitoring period.
Health authorities said the fresh infection means the state must restart the observation process.
“We have been doing sensitisation, checking our facilities, and heightening surveillance. In this case, we have also commenced case investigation and contact tracing,” Ogwuche said.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 