Jalingo, Taraba State – Taraba State is confronting its most widespread Lassa fever outbreak in over a decade, with at least 15 deaths and 49 confirmed cases reported across several local government areas.
Health officials describe the situation as the worst recorded in 14 years, raising concerns about gaps in early detection, public awareness, and health-seeking behavior.
The Acting Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, Dr. Suleiman Kirim, confirmed the figures while briefing journalists, noting that 45 patients are currently receiving treatment in various health facilities, while 20 others have recovered and been discharged.
According to Dr. Kirim, the outbreak has placed significant strain on healthcare facilities, particularly the FMC Jalingo, where medical personnel are working round the clock to manage confirmed and suspected cases.
“The outbreak has put our facilities under serious pressure as we intensify efforts to contain the spread,” he said.
Health authorities attribute the high fatality rate largely to delayed presentation at hospitals. Many patients reportedly resort to self-medication or traditional remedies before seeking professional medical care, often arriving at treatment centres when complications have already advanced.
“We are seeing cases that come in very late, and this reduces the chances of survival. Early detection and prompt treatment remain key to managing Lassa fever effectively,” Dr. Kirim added.
Medical experts warn that while Lassa fever can be effectively managed when diagnosed early, survival chances decline significantly once severe symptoms such as bleeding and organ complications develop.
Concerns have also been raised over misinformation and skepticism surrounding medical interventions. Health professionals say misconceptions about the disease are undermining containment efforts and increasing the risk of community transmission.
Professor Joshua Difa of the Department of Public Health at FMC Jalingo emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness and grassroots engagement.
“Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings where infection prevention protocols are not strictly observed,” he explained.
He urged residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food in rodent-proof containers, and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions. Health workers were also advised to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures to limit hospital-based transmission.
The Head of Pediatrics at FMC Jalingo, Dr. Philip Aboki, highlighted the vulnerability of children and called on parents to act swiftly when symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding appear.
“Children are not immune. Parents must seek medical help immediately when symptoms appear,” he warned.
In response to the outbreak, FMC Jalingo is collaborating with the Taraba State Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen surveillance, improve logistics, and enhance data coordination.
State authorities have intensified community sensitization campaigns, deployed rapid response teams, and expanded surveillance efforts to detect and isolate new cases.
As Taraba grapples with its most severe Lassa fever outbreak in 14 years, health experts stress the urgent need for stronger public health awareness, early reporting systems, and improved community trust in medical institutions to prevent further spread.
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