Doctors, Nurses Quarantined, As Lassa Fever Kills Patient ‎At UBTH

A patient at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, has reportedly died of Lassa fever.

It was learnt that the patient, said to be a male whose identity could not be ascertained, died at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, after a surgery.

Our correspondent also gathered that all ‎the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff, who had contact with him at the theatre and ICU have been quarantined and closely monitored for symptoms of the hemorrhagic disease in the hospital.

It was also learnt that the equipment used in the patient’s treatment had also been quarantined.

According to a source in the hospital, the victim had been admitted to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis, some weeks after the burial of his mother in Ekpoma, who reportedly lost her life to the Lassa fever virus.

He was said to have undergone a surgery but died three hour later.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Chief Medical Director of Prof. Michael Ibadin, said that the hospital management had taken appropriate measures in handling the case.

He also said that the deceased had “uncontrollable bleeding” following the surgery.

Ibadin said, “All persons who were involved in providing for care victim have all been taken care of according to standard, as determined by international best practices.”

“There is no cause for alarm as the hospital has continued to provide services to the public under very safe environment.”

A statement issued by the CMD added, “The victim, an adult male patient who was visiting from his base abroad, had a typical presentation of abdominal pain. History of fever was not volunteered initially.

“The suspicion of Lassa fever was entertained when, following surgery, he had uncontrolled bleeding. He has since passed on.”

(Punch)