A medical doctor, Vitalis Azever, has died from Lassa fever in Benue State after battling the illness for more than two weeks, before laboratory tests eventually confirmed the infection.
Azever, who worked with APIN Public Health Initiatives in Konshisha Local Government Area, died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital despite medical intervention.
The Benue State Ministry of Health on Monday said his death had triggered an emergency public health response, including intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing further infections.
According to the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, the latest case emerged at a time when the state was nearing the completion of the monitoring period required to declare the outbreak over.
“There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state, and unfortunately a doctor has lost his life to the disease. We had almost reached the end of the monitoring process before this latest development occurred,” Ogwuche said.
He explained that the late doctor initially treated himself at home before later seeking care at a private health facility, where a colleague suspected Lassa fever and advised testing, which confirmed the infection.
Ogwuche further disclosed that investigations showed the disease had already caused significant damage to the doctor’s kidneys before he was referred for specialist treatment.
“By the time further assessments were carried out, his kidney had been affected. He was transferred for advanced medical care, but sadly he did not survive,” he said.
He added that surveillance measures had since been strengthened, with case investigation and contact tracing ongoing to contain any possible spread.
The ministry also said public sensitisation efforts had been expanded, with plans to engage religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to improve early detection and prevention of the disease.
Meanwhile, the President of the Moses Adasu University Medical Alumni Association, Dr Msonter Anzaa, described the death as a major loss to the medical community.
“The passing of the young doctor is a painful blow to the medical profession. His contributions and dedication to healthcare will not be forgotten,” he said.
He announced a seven-day mourning period in honour of the deceased and disclosed that the association would establish an annual remembrance programme to celebrate members who died while serving humanity.