Benue Closes Hospital Following Lassa Fever Fatality

The Benue State Government has ordered the immediate closure of a private hospital and mortuary in Okpokwu Local Government Area following the death of a 54-year-old woman who tested positive for Lassa fever.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, announced the decision in Makurdi on Thursday, explaining that it was part of emergency containment measures to prevent further infections and allow for complete decontamination of the facility.

He revealed that all hospital staff and individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the deceased have been identified and placed under medical surveillance.

According to Ogwuche, the woman, a resident of Ogbadibo LGA, passed away on Sunday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where test results confirmed Lassa fever. Her body was later taken to a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA.

However, the containment team faced resistance when some irate youths from the deceased’s community forcefully retrieved the corpse during burial preparations.

“As part of the initial response, I personally led a team of health officials and security personnel to the two LGAs to ensure public safety, containment, and order,” Ogwuche said. He added that after intensive dialogue with the family, community leaders, and youth groups, the body was retrieved and buried safely in Orokam (Ogbadibo LGA) by the State Safe Burial Team, in accordance with WHO and NCDC guidelines.

The commissioner confirmed that the body was interred on Wednesday under strict supervision, while the affected hospital and morgue remain sealed pending disinfection and further investigation.

“All community and facility contacts have been traced, and health education sessions have been conducted in Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to promote hygiene, awareness, and calm,” Ogwuche stated, emphasizing that public health safety remains the government’s top priority.

He commended the cooperation of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and security agencies, warning that the government would not condone actions that threaten public safety.

Ogwuche urged residents to avoid handling corpses of individuals who die from suspected infectious diseases and to report any cases of prolonged fever or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility.

Lassa fever has continued to pose a public health challenge in Benue State. As of September 2025, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, reported 243 suspected cases and 13 deaths, including that of a health worker, with 18 confirmed through laboratory testing. Five of the deaths were from confirmed cases, while eight were classified as probable, involving individuals who died before samples could be collected.