UBTH confirms case of new Lassa fever death in Edo

The authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) have confirmed a new case of Lassa fever death.

BusinessDay gathers that the new Lassa fever death happened last week.

Sources at the hospital said the patient whose identity could not be ascertained at press time, died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the medial institution after a surgical operation.

The sources that pleaded anonymity added that all ‎the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff in the theatre and the ICU 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 (CMD) of the hospital who however confirmed the report, said the victim was rushed to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis.

The victim was immediately attended to by medical personnel but however died after successful operation was performed on him, Ibadin said.

In a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Benin City, Ibadin however stated 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.

He further gathered that all equipment that were used to treat the patient both in the theatre and the ICU were also being quarantined and sterilised.

It was further gathered 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, Edo State.