A new case of Lassa fever death has been confirmed by the authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). It was learnt that the new Lassa fever death happened early last week but was disclosed to journalists on Thursday, April 21, 2016.
Sources at the hospital disclosed that the patient whose identity could not be ascertained as at press time, died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the medial institution after a surgical operation.
The sources who pleaded anonymity added that all the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff in the theatre and the Intensive Care Unit who had contact with the late patient are currently being quarantined and closely monitored for symptoms of the hemorrhagic disease in the hospital.
Michael Ibadin, the chief medical director of the hospital, who, however, confirmed the report, said the victim was rushed to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis.
Ibadin added that the victim was immediately attended to by medical personnel but however died after successful operation was performed on him.
A statement signed and made available to newsmen in Benin City on Thursday April 21, 2016, Michael Ibadin stated that there was no cause for alarm as the hospital management had maintained professionalism in handling the case.
“This is to affirm the fact that a case of Lassa fever was handled in the hospital last week. The 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.
“Management of the hospital immediately swung into action. All persons who were involved in the care have been taken care of according to standard determined by international best practices.
“Management wishes to inform members of the public that there is no cause for alarm as the hospital has continued to provide services to the public under very safe environment”, he said.
It was further gathered that all equipment that were used to treat the patient both in the theatre and the ICU are also being quarantined and sterilized.
It was however learnt that the victim who was on a visit to Nigeria died at the UBTH weeks after he attended his mother’s funeral who apparently died after contracting Lassa fever at Ekpoma, in Edo Central Senatorial district of the state.
