A senior medical doctor working with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State has died from complications arising from Lassa fever. The state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Makurdi.
Doctor battled illness for over two weeks
According to Ogwuche, the deceased, identified as Azever Tersoo, reportedly battled the illness for over two weeks before his condition worsened. Tersoo, who hailed from Kwande Local Government Area, worked with APIN Foundation in Konshisha LGA. He was buried on Saturday, June 20, 2026, following protocols from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
“There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. He was a doctor and was buried last Saturday. He worked with APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area but hailed from Kwande Local Government Area,” the commissioner said. “For over two weeks, he was struggling, and when there was no improvement, a friend suggested his condition was suggestive of Lassa fever. A test carried out returned positive.”
Patient declined admission, had kidney complications
The commissioner further disclosed that when authorities sought to admit the doctor at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, he declined, requesting to be managed at home with drugs and injections. “We insisted that he be taken to the teaching hospital for proper evaluation,” Ogwuche said. Initial investigations indicated that the deceased already had kidney complications. As a result, he was referred to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, where he later died. His remains were brought back and buried in line with NCDC burial protocols on Saturday.
Health ministry activates response measures
Following the renewed outbreak, Ogwuche said the ministry had intensified public awareness campaigns and reactivated response measures across communities. Health authorities have been placed on alert following recent updates on other infectious disease threats, including Ebola, while surveillance has been strengthened across health facilities.
“We have been doing sensitisation, checking our facilities, and heightening surveillance. In this case, we have also commenced case investigation and contact tracing,” he said.
Fresh observation cycle required
The commissioner noted that the state had been close to declaring the outbreak over after completing a 42-day incubation monitoring period before the new case emerged. A fresh cycle of observation will now be required before any declaration can be made.
