Plateau State Doctor Succumbs to Lassa Fever After Treating Infected Patient
A senior resident doctor at Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has tragically died after contracting Lassa fever while performing her medical duties. The healthcare professional, identified as Dr Salome Oboyi, reportedly became infected while attending to an emergency patient who was later confirmed to have the viral hemorrhagic disease.
Hospital Authorities Confirm Line of Duty Infection
Hospital authorities have confirmed that Dr Oboyi, who worked in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, developed symptoms less than two weeks after treating the infected patient. According to Prof. Stephen Anzaku, the Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital, the doctor acted promptly after noticing symptoms associated with Lassa fever.
"She reported herself immediately and was admitted for close monitoring and treatment," Anzaku stated during a media briefing in Jos. "The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Health, supplied all required medications for her care. We followed established treatment protocols, but the disease progressed despite our sustained efforts."
The CMD explained that the infection occurred during an emergency surgical procedure. "She operated on a patient who came as an emergency. It was after the surgery that there was a suspicion. And then, after some time, she developed some symptoms, and we immediately commenced treatment," he noted.
Unprecedented Loss for Hospital Community
Prof. Anzaku described Dr Oboyi's death as unprecedented in the hospital's history, marking the first staff loss from an infectious disease in over four decades. "We never lost a staff member here for over four decades until now. Now, we have lost a very dedicated and beloved doctor," he lamented.
The medical director emphasized that despite early reporting and comprehensive treatment efforts, the disease proved fatal. "We managed her for almost two weeks, but, unfortunately, she was called home," he added, highlighting the dedication of the medical team and the support from state health authorities.
Fresh Lassa Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Plateau State
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicolas Boomlang, has confirmed the doctor's death while announcing a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. According to official reports, two additional deaths have been recorded in Kanam and Shendam local government areas during February 2026.
The state government is now working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen several critical areas:
- Enhanced disease surveillance systems
- Improved case management protocols
- Comprehensive public awareness campaigns
- Containment measures to limit further spread
National Context of Lassa Fever in Nigeria
Recent national data from the NCDC Lassa Fever Situation Report reveals the severity of the disease across Nigeria. Between epidemiological week one and week 52 of 2025, the country recorded:
- 1,148 confirmed cases across 22 states
- 215 confirmed deaths nationwide
- 9,389 suspected cases reported
- A case fatality rate of 18.7 percent
The NCDC has identified several contributing factors to the high death rate, including:
- Late presentation of cases to healthcare facilities
- Poor health-seeking behavior among affected populations
- High healthcare costs limiting access to treatment
- Weak sanitation practices in vulnerable communities
- Low awareness levels in high-burden areas
This tragic incident follows similar patterns seen in recent years. In 2022, Oyo State lost two medical practitioners to Lassa fever, highlighting the ongoing risks healthcare workers face while treating infectious diseases.
Broader Infectious Disease Challenges
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that Nigeria is currently responding to multiple infectious disease outbreaks across all six geopolitical zones. Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General, disclosed this concerning situation during a recent Stakeholder Workshop on Preparedness and Response to Public Health Emergencies.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization, emphasized the need for enhanced preparedness and coordinated response mechanisms to address the complex public health challenges facing the nation.
The death of Dr Salome Oboyi serves as a sobering reminder of the risks healthcare professionals undertake daily and underscores the urgent need for strengthened infectious disease control measures across Nigeria's healthcare system.
