Jos doctor dies after contracting Lassa Fever in line of duty
A medical doctor has died in Jos, Plateau State, after contracting Lassa fever while treating an infected patient, health authorities have confirmed.
The doctor, whose name was not immediately disclosed, reportedly became infected during the course of providing medical care, highlighting the occupational risks faced by frontline health workers. After showing symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, the doctor was admitted for treatment but later succumbed to the illness.
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Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in parts of Nigeria and is commonly transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.
Following the incident, health officials in Plateau State said surveillance and contact tracing had been intensified to prevent further spread of the disease. They also urged healthcare workers to strictly adhere to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, when attending to suspected cases.
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The death has sparked renewed calls for improved protection, training, and support for medical personnel, especially those working in high-risk environments. Public health experts warn that continued vigilance is essential to curb the spread of Lassa fever and protect both healthcare workers and the general public.
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