Benue State health authorities have intensified surveillance and emergency response measures following a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever that claimed the life of a medical doctor.
The victim, Dr. Vitalis Tersoo Azever, a staff member of APIN Public Health Initiatives in Konshisha Local Government Area, died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital after battling complications from the viral disease.
Confirming the development on Monday in Makurdi, the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry had begun contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread.
“There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. Only one doctor has died. The victim was buried on June 20,” he said.
Ogwuche explained that the state was close to declaring the outbreak over after completing the required 42-day monitoring period before the new case was recorded.
According to him, the deceased initially treated himself at home and in a private hospital for more than two weeks before testing positive for Lassa fever.
He said the doctor’s condition worsened after the disease affected his kidneys, leading to his referral to the teaching hospital, where he later died.
The commissioner said surveillance had been strengthened across health facilities, while awareness campaigns were being carried out through the media, religious bodies and traditional rulers.
He added that no other Lassa fever patient is currently receiving treatment in any hospital in the state, but authorities will begin a fresh 42-day monitoring period before considering the outbreak contained.
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