LASSA FEVER CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM IN UBTH

A man, who came into the country from abroad for the mum’s burial reportedly died from the dreaded Lassa Fever at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, after receiving medical attention by a team of health care personnel. The victim, who was rushed to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis, was confirmed dead after an operation was performed on him. It was, however, gathered that the victim, who was on a visit to Nigeria, had attended his mother’s funeral at Ekpoma, in Edo Central senatorial district in the state. In a statement in Benin City by the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Michael Ibadin, while confirming the incident, said there was no cause for alarm as the hospital management had maintained professionalism in handling the case. Ibadin said the patient, who was receiving treatment at the UBTH, died three hours after he was attended to at the hospital, noting that “all persons who were involved in taking care of the victim, have all been taken care of according to international best practices.” He further stressed that management of the hospital immediately swung into action to ensure that the care givers at the hospital including staff and medical personnel, who cared for the victim, were quarantined to ensure safety. He added that ”there is no cause for alarm as the hospital has continued to provide services to the public under very safe environment.”