Doctor dies of Lassa fever while treating patient in Jos

Tragedy has struck the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) following the death of a medical doctor who contracted Lassa fever in the line of duty while caring for an infected patient.

The deceased, Dr. Salome Oboyi, a senior resident doctor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, reportedly succumbed to the viral illness after a courageous battle.

Dr. Oboyi is said to have been exposed to the virus while attending to a patient diagnosed with Lassa fever, underscoring the occupational risks faced daily by frontline healthcare workers.

Confirming the development to journalists in Jos, the Chief Medical Director of BHUTH, Professor Stephen Anzaku, explained the circumstances surrounding how the doctor contracted the disease. He described her death as a painful loss to the hospital and the medical community.

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.