The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Benue State, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has disclosed that about 50 contacts are under surveillance following the death of a 54-year-old woman who died of Lassa fever in the state.

The PUNCH had reported that residents of Ogbadibo and neighbouring Okpokwu Local Government Areas were in panic as the state government intensified efforts to track those who had contact with the woman before and after her death.

It was gathered that the deceased woman, from Ogbadibo LGA, died on Sunday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where laboratory analysis confirmed Lassa fever.

Her remains were reportedly taken to a private morgue in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA, and during the burial, youths in her community in Ogbadibo were said to have forcefully taken the body away.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, told journalists on Thursday, saying, “As part of initial response efforts, I personally led a high-powered delegation of health officials and security operatives to the two LGAs.”

Dr. Ogwuche said the team moved swiftly to ensure public safety, containment, and restoration of order after reports indicated that the corpse of a Lassa fever victim had been forcefully taken away by community youths.

He added, “During initial response efforts, the ministry’s Rapid Response Team was confronted by some agitated youths while trying to conduct a safe burial.

“Through intensive dialogue with the family, traditional rulers, and youth leaders, the body was successfully retrieved and safely buried in Orokam (Ogbadibo LGA) by the State Safe Burial Team, in line with WHO and NCDC protocols,” the commissioner said.

The remains of the deceased were said to have been buried on Wednesday.

The commissioner further said that he immediately ordered the closure of the private hospital and mortuary where the corpse had been kept, pending full decontamination, disinfection, and epidemiological investigation.

He also directed that all hospital staff and close contacts be placed under surveillance to ensure no secondary infection occurs.

Giving an update on Thursday evening, the commissioner said, “About 50 contacts have been identified and are under strict surveillance.”

The commissioner added, “All community and facility contacts have been identified, and health education sessions have been carried out across Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs to enhance awareness, promote hygiene, and prevent panic,” adding, “Public health safety is our top priority.”

While commending the cooperation of the local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and security operatives, Dr. Ogwuche said the government would not allow any act that endangers the lives of its citizens.

The commissioner, however, appealed to residents of the state to avoid handling corpses of persons who die from suspected infectious diseases and to report any prolonged fever or bleeding symptoms to the nearest health facility without delay.

Lassa fever has become a recurring issue in Benue State. In September this year, the state government, through the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, reported 243 suspected cases of Lassa fever since January 2025, with 13 deaths recorded, including that of a health worker.

According to Msuega, 18 of the cases were confirmed through laboratory tests.

He said, “Of the deaths, five were from confirmed cases, while eight were classified as probable. Probable deaths are those of persons suspected to have Lassa fever who died before samples could be taken.” (The PUNCH)