Plateau Govt Confirms Death of Senior Doctor, Three Others From Lassa Fever

The Plateau State Government has confirmed the death of a senior medical doctor and three other residents following an outbreak of Lassa fever, triggering heightened emergency response measures across the state.

NaijaRush had earlier reported that one of the victims was Dr. Salome Oboyi, a senior consultant at Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Jos. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, formally confirmed the outbreak on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

According to Baamlong, the state has recorded multiple laboratory-confirmed cases, with at least three fatalities linked to the viral haemorrhagic fever.

“The state government has activated all necessary response mechanisms to contain the outbreak and protect residents,” he said.

The deceased doctor was said to have contracted the virus after carrying out a caesarean section on an infected patient, highlighting the extreme risks faced by frontline health workers. 

BUTH is one of Plateau State’s designated treatment centres for Lassa fever.

Baamlong disclosed that surveillance and emergency response activities have been intensified following laboratory confirmation of the cases, with contact tracing and public health interventions ongoing in affected communities and health facilities.

Chief Medical Director of BUTH, Dr. Stephen Anzaku, described the doctor’s death as a devastating loss to the medical profession.

“It is with deep regret that we lost a senior doctor to Lassa fever. Despite strict adherence to safety protocols, the virus remains highly dangerous, especially to healthcare workers,” Anzaku said.

The health commissioner also revealed that vaccines had been received, with additional supplies expected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as authorities work to curb further spread.

Nationally, the NCDC reports that Nigeria has recorded 39 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 17 deaths within the first three weeks of 2026, underscoring the growing public health threat.

Health officials in Plateau State have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, adopt strict hygiene practices, keep food and household items away from rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, or vomiting occur.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk