This is the sad story of the untimely death of two gynaecologists at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital recently ( Dr. Victor Nwatu and Dr.Esa Oga). Dr. Victor Nwatu is a new fellow(O&G) of the WACS ( April 2021) while Dr.Esa Oga was employed in 2017 as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at DASH. (Read More Here).
The case was that of a woman with severe PPH for whom Dr.Victor Nwatu had earlier done uterine artery ligation for the patient. However, the bleeding persisted and Dr.Esa Oga had to perform hysterectomy (assisted by Dr. Victor Nwatu). The plan to perform hysterectomy was discussed at the morning meeting(as a case of uterine atony) but little concern was placed on the surgical presentation of Lassa fever. Eventually, the patient died.
Both surgeons later took ill. Dr Victor travelled back to his family at Abuja from Lafia and was managed as a case of malaria. He eventually died on the 5th December,2021 at the age of 43 and survived by his wife and four children.
This prompted a review of the corpse and the diagnosis of Lassa fever was confirmed on the 6th December,2021.
The lead surgeon;Dr.Oga was also confirmed to be Lassa positive and eventually died earlier today 14th December,,2021.
Even as we strive to save lives; let’s continue to remember that the Doctors'(as well as other health workers) lives matter by ensuring and insisting in adequate protection from all work-place threats and dangers.
May the soul of Drs.Esa Oga and Victor Nwatu rest in peace and may the good Lord continue to protect us.
