Plateau State Government Confirms Lassa Fever Outbreak with Multiple Fatalities
The Plateau State Government has officially confirmed a concerning outbreak of Lassa fever, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a senior medical doctor. This confirmation was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Details of the Confirmed Cases and Fatalities
According to Dr. Baamlong, the state has recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with three deaths confirmed among these cases. The fourth fatality, which brings the total to four, is a medical doctor who succumbed to the disease. The deceased doctor has been identified as Salome Oboyi, a senior medical practitioner at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Jos.
The circumstances surrounding the doctor's infection are particularly alarming. Reports indicate that Dr. Oboyi contracted the Lassa fever virus after performing a caesarean section on an infected patient. This incident highlights the significant risks faced by frontline healthcare workers who are on the front lines of battling infectious diseases.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
In response to this outbreak, the Plateau State Government has activated all necessary response mechanisms to contain the spread of the viral disease. Dr. Baamlong emphasized that emergency response measures are now in place to protect residents and prevent further transmission.
"The state government has activated all necessary response mechanisms to contain the outbreak," Baamlong stated. He further explained that these measures include intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and public health interventions across affected communities and health facilities.
Additionally, the government has received vaccines to combat the outbreak, with more supplies expected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). "We have intensified contact tracing and surveillance across the state. Vaccines have been provided, and we are expecting more from the NCDC. Residents should remain calm but vigilant," the commissioner added.
Reactions from the Medical Community
The Chief Medical Director of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Stephen Anzaku, expressed deep regret over the loss of Dr. Salome Oboyi. He described her death as a painful loss to the medical community, underscoring the dangers that healthcare workers face even in designated treatment centers.
"It is with deep regret that we lost a senior doctor to Lassa fever. Despite being a designated treatment centre and observing established safety protocols, the virus remains highly dangerous, particularly for healthcare workers," Anzaku said. BUTH is one of the designated treatment centers for Lassa fever in Plateau State, making this incident even more poignant.
National Context and Preventive Advice
This outbreak in Plateau State occurs against a backdrop of rising Lassa fever cases nationally. According to the NCDC, Nigeria recorded 39 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 17 deaths within the first three weeks of 2026. The disease continues to spread across several states during the dry season, posing a significant public health challenge.
Health authorities in Plateau State are urging residents to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. These measures include:
- Maintaining proper hygiene at all times
- Keeping food and household items securely stored away from rodents
- Seeking early medical attention when symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, or vomiting occur
The government's proactive approach, combined with public cooperation, is crucial in containing this outbreak and preventing further loss of life.
