•Lasser fever
A medical doctor at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) has been killed 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, reports Daily Trust.
Confirming the death to journalists in Jos, the Chief Medical Director of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku, explained how the deceased contracted the disease.
According to him, 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.
He said, “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 that came as an emergency. It was after the surgery that there was a suspicion. 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.
Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, Nicolas Boomlang, while commenting on the demise of the doctor, 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.
