…Over 56 Others Contracted With The Disease In Benue
Meanwhile, a medical doctor at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH), Jos, Plateau, has died after contracting Lassa fever while attending to a patient diagnosed with the disease.
The deceased, Dr. Salome Oboyi, a senior resident doctor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, died after battling the viral infection.
Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku, who confirmed the death to journalists in Jos, explained that the late Dr. Oboyi treated a Lassa fever patient about two weeks ago, and shortly after the treatment, she developed symptoms, reported herself to the hospital, and was immediately placed on admission.
He said despite all efforts, she succumbed to the illness.
“We never lost a staff member here for over four decades until now. Now, we’ve lost a very dedicated and beloved doctor. She operated on the patient who came as an emergency. It was after the surgery that suspicion arose. After some time, she came down with some symptoms. We then felt we should treat her for it.
“We were very supportive, with the Plateau Ministry of Health providing the necessary drugs. We managed her for almost two weeks, and unfortunately, she was called home, “ he added.
Professor Anzaku described her death as a painful loss, noting that she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and selfless service to patients.
Nicolas Boomlang, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, also confirmed a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
He said two deaths were recorded in Kanam and Shendam LGAs in February 2026, adding that the state government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is intensifying surveillance, case management, and public awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, at least 56 people have contracted the dreaded Lassa fever in Benue State, with four frontline medical personnel among them.
While in Plateau state, the disease has claimed the life of a medical doctor.
Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, who disclosed this in a press statement issued in Makurdi, said the state has officially declared a Lassa fever outbreak and activated emergency response measures to curb further transmission.
He said four health workers, including three nurses and a community health worker, have tested positive for Lassa fever, following a steady increase in suspected and confirmed cases across the state.
“Of the number, eight cases have been laboratory confirmed, with three deaths among confirmed patients and one additional probable death currently under investigation.”
“The infection of health workers indicated gaps in infection prevention and control, which expose the heightened risks faced by medical personnel on the frontline of care.
He said, in response to the outbreak and in line with the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The Commissioner also mourned a Benue-born medical doctor who recently died from Lassa fever while working in Jos, Plateau State, describing the death as a painful loss to the health sector.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols in all health facilities, warning that lax practices could further endanger both patients and healthcare providers.
Ogwuche further urged residents to remain calm but alert, noting that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings, and can also spread from person to person, especially in healthcare settings with poor infection control.
He called on the residents to maintain proper environmental hygiene, store food safely to prevent rodent infestation, avoid self-medication, and report early to health facilities when symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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