UBTH quarantines docs, nurses over death of Lassa fever patient

The demise of a male patient who died of Lassa fever at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State has forced authorities at the hospital to take precautionary measures.

Reports say the patient who died at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital after surgery has forced authorities of the hospital to quarantine all ‎the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff, who had contact with him at the theatre and ICU.

They are also being closely monitored for likely symptoms of the haemorrhagic disease with medical equipment used in the patient’s treatment quarantined too to avoid likely infection.

Sources say the victim died some weeks after burying his mum in Ekpoma who reports say died of Lassa fever. He had been complaining of appendicitis and was admitted at the UBTH before he gave up the ghost three hours after surgery.

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Prof. Michael Ibadin, the Chief Medical Director of the UBTH said the victim suffered “uncontrollable bleeding” following the surgery and that the hospital management had taken appropriate measures in handling the case.
“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.” Prof. Michael said in a statement.

Continuing, Prof. Michael noted that; “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.”

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