The Federal Medical Centre Jalingo says at least 42 people have died from Lassa fever between November 2025 and March 2026, underscoring a worsening health crisis in Taraba State.
Officials at the tertiary hospital — the largest in the state — say the facility is struggling to cope with the outbreak amid a shortage of medical doctors, forcing health workers to operate under intense pressure as the disease continues to claim lives.
The hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Abubakar Kirim, described the situation as a rapidly escalating epidemic.
“Lassa fever is surging, and if not properly managed, it is claiming lives on a daily basis,” he said.
Kirim said 230 suspected cases were recorded during the five-month period, with 102 confirmed infections. Of those, 95 patients were admitted for treatment, while 30 recovered and were discharged.
He said the response has been complicated by delays in testing due to shortages of diagnostic reagents. When supplies run out, samples must be sent to laboratories in other states, including Bauchi State and Edo State, for confirmation.
During the waiting period, some patients leave the treatment center before results are confirmed, increasing the risk of further spread.
“When we run short of test reagents, samples are sent to Bauchi or Edo for confirmation. During this waiting period, some patients get agitated and leave,” Kirim said.
Health workers have also been affected by the outbreak. Three staff members — a doctor, a nurse and a driver — have contracted the virus, according to hospital officials.
“Our health workers are risking their lives to save others. The shortage of doctors makes our work even more challenging,” Kirim said.
Hospital authorities have appealed for more qualified medical doctors to support the response.
“We urgently need more doctors to strengthen our response to this epidemic,” he said.
Kirim also emphasized the need for stronger public awareness efforts, urging stakeholders — including ward officials, local government authorities and the state Ministry of Health — to intensify campaigns aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
“The epidemic is rising daily, and only a coordinated response can save lives,” he said.
Residents of Jalingo have been advised to avoid contact with rodents, maintain strict hygiene and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever, headaches or bleeding appear — common signs of Lassa fever.
Health officials say the outbreak highlights the strain epidemics place on fragile healthcare systems, even as frontline workers continue to risk their lives to treat patients.
