In a tragic turn of events, Lassa fever has led to the untimely death of a senior medical doctor at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Jos, Plateau State, alongside three other victims. The alarming outbreak has prompted urgent health measures from state authorities to mitigate further spread.
Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, the Commissioner for Health, confirmed the outbreak during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday. He disclosed that the state has documented three laboratory-confirmed cases of the viral disease, raising serious concerns about public health safety.
The deceased doctor, a prominent figure at BUTH, is believed to have contracted Lassa fever while performing a caesarean section on an infected patient. This incident highlights the perilous conditions frontline healthcare workers face amidst ongoing health crises.
BUTH, designated as a treatment centre for Lassa fever, has been at the forefront of the state’s response efforts. In light of this outbreak, Dr. Baamlong has activated emergency measures aimed at curtailing the virus’s transmission and safeguarding residents.
“Plateau State has recorded confirmed cases of Lassa fever. So far, we have eight laboratory-confirmed cases and three fatalities,” Baamlong stated, emphasising the urgency of the situation. “The state government has activated all necessary response mechanisms to contain the outbreak.”
The health commissioner elaborated on the ongoing initiatives, including contact tracing, active surveillance, and public health interventions that are being implemented across affected communities and healthcare facilities.
Dr. Stephen Anzaku, the Chief Medical Director of BUTH, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the doctor, calling it a significant blow to the medical community. “It is with deep regret that we lost a senior doctor to Lassa fever. Despite being a designated treatment centre and adhering to established safety protocols, the virus poses a high risk, especially for healthcare workers,” Anzaku remarked.
In a proactive move, the Plateau State government has already received a supply of vaccines, with further shipments anticipated from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to bolster its response efforts. “We have ramped up contact tracing and surveillance across the state. Vaccines have been distributed, and we expect additional supplies from the NCDC. Residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant,” Baamlong added.
National statistics from the NCDC reveal that Nigeria recorded 39 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 17 fatalities within the initial three weeks of 2026. The disease’s prevalence tends to rise during the dry season, making prompt action essential.
Health authorities in Plateau State are urging residents to implement preventive measures to combat the spread of Lassa fever. Key recommendations include maintaining rigorous hygiene practices, storing food and household items away from rodents, and seeking immediate medical assistance upon experiencing symptoms such as persistent fever, headache, or vomiting.
As Plateau State grapples with the ramifications of this outbreak, the commitment to public health remains unwavering. The state government and health officials are diligently working to protect the community and restore confidence in healthcare services.
The tragic loss of a dedicated healthcare professional serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against infectious diseases and the critical importance of safety protocols in medical environments. The community’s cooperation and adherence to preventive measures will be vital in overcoming this health crisis.
In summary, the Lassa fever outbreak in Plateau State underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and proactive health measures. As the situation develops, the health and safety of residents remain paramount, and ongoing efforts will be crucial in combating this deadly virus.
