The death of a young doctor from Lassa fever has thrown the Bingham University Teaching Hospital community in Jos into mourning and raised fresh concerns over the disease in Plateau State.
The Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) community in Jos, Plateau State, is in deep mourning following the death of Salome Oboyi, a young female doctor who died on Monday after contracting Lassa fever from a patient under her care. The incident was confirmed on Tuesday in a post shared on the X handle of the Bingham University Alumni Doctors, which described her passing as a painful loss to the medical community.
The post confirmed the cause and circumstances of her death, stating, “Dr. Salome Oboyi, a Nigerian medical doctor, has passed away from Lassa fever in Jos, Plateau State.” It also highlighted her professional role, adding, “Dr. Oboyi, a Senior Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) passed away following a battle with the fever”. Reflecting on her legacy, the post noted, “Her death has left colleagues, friends, and patients deeply saddened, as she is remembered for her dedication, professionalism, and selfless service”.
Confirming the incident, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, said the state government was aware of the Lassa fever case and disclosed that two additional cases had been recorded. He added that the government had procured vaccines and would soon begin vaccination across the state, alongside intensified sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on the prevention and control of Lassa fever.