Doctor Dies from Lassa Fever in Jos

A medical practitioner at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) has tragically lost her life after contracting Lassa fever while caring for a diagnosed patient.

The deceased, Dr. Salome Oboyi, who served as a senior resident doctor within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, passed away after fighting the viral illness.

In an address to reporters in Jos, Professor Stephen Anzaku, the Chief Medical Director of BHUTH, detailed the circumstances under which Dr. Oboyi contracted the disease.

He indicated that Dr. Oboyi treated a patient with Lassa fever approximately two weeks prior to her own hospitalization. Following her treatment, she began experiencing symptoms associated with the illness, prompting her admission to the hospital.

Despite extensive medical intervention, she unfortunately did not survive the infection.

Professor Anzaku stated, 'We had not experienced the loss of any staff member here for over forty years, until now. We have lost a highly committed and cherished doctor. She treated an emergency case, and after the procedure, suspicions arose. It wasn't long before she exhibited symptoms, leading us to initiate treatment for the virus.'

He added, 'We received significant support from the Plateau Ministry of Health, which provided necessary medications. We managed her condition for nearly two weeks; sadly, she has now passed away.'

Describing her untimely death as a significant loss, Professor Anzaku emphasized Dr. Oboyi's dedication, professionalism, and her unwavering commitment to patient care.

In a related note, Plateau State's Health Commissioner, Nicolas Boomlang, confirmed a recent outbreak of Lassa fever within the state. He reported two fatalities in the Kanam and Shendam Local Government Areas in February 2026, underscoring that the state government, in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is intensifying monitoring, treatment strategies, and outreach initiatives to the public.