From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), yesterday confirmed the death of a Lassa fever patient at the hospital.
The patient, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly died last Thursday after he received medical attention from a team of healthcare personnel.
The victim was rushed to the hospital after complaining of appendicitis and later died after an operation was performed on him.
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, Prof. Michael Ibadin, who confirmed the Lassa fever incident in a statement in Benin, yesterday, said there was no cause for alarm as the hospital management had maintained professionalism in handling the case.
He explained that the patient, who received treatment at the hospital died three hours after he was attended to, adding that “all persons who were involved in providing care for the victim, have all been taken care of according to standard as determined by international best practices.”
The CMD stressed that management of the hospital immediately swung into action to ensure that the caregivers at the hospital, including staff and medical personnel, who cared for the victim were quarantined to ensure safety, adding, “there is no cause for alarm as the hospital has continued to provide services to the public under safe environment.”