Doctor dies in Plateau after contracting lassa fever from patient

The Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH) community in Jos, Plateau State, has been thrown into 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 sad development was confirmed in a post shared on the X handle of the Bingham University Alumni Doctors on Tuesday, which announced her passing and described the loss as a painful one for the medical community.

“Dr. Salome Oboyi, a Nigerian medical doctor, has passed away from Lassa fever in Jos, Plateau State,” the post stated, confirming the cause of death and the location where the incident occurred.

It further noted her professional standing, saying, “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”.

Related News

Reflecting on her legacy, the post added, “Her death has left colleagues, friends, and patients deeply saddened, as she is remembered for her dedication, professionalism, and selfless service”.

Confirming the incidence, Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau State Commissioner for Health said the state government was aware of the Lassa fever case and disclosed that two additional cases had been recorded in the state.

He added that the government has procured vaccines and would soon commence vaccination across the state, alongside intensified sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on the prevention and control of Lassa fever.

Nathaniel Gbaoron

Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states. He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.