LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Taraba State is currently battling its most severe Lassa fever crisis in 14 years, with medical officials confirming at least 15 fatalities and 49 active infections across multiple local government areas.
According to the Acting Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo, Dr. Suleiman Kirim, late hospital presentations are primarily driving the high mortality rate. He revealed that out of the total cases, 45 patients remain under intensive care in various isolation wards, while 20 survivors recovered well and were discharged.
The rapid escalation of this viral haemorrhagic disease has pushed the state’s healthcare infrastructure to a breaking point. Dr. Kirim noted that many residents initially bypass formal medical help in favour of traditional remedies or self-medication, which “reduces their chances of survival.” To combat this, FMC Jalingo is currently integrating efforts with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Taraba State Government to bolster surveillance and data management.
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Public health experts are emphasizing that environmental hygiene is the first line of defence against the multimillion-naira threat of Lassa fever. Professor Joshua Difa of the FMC Public Health Department reminded citizens that the virus spreads through food contaminated by rodent excreta. Therefore, he urged residents to “maintain proper environmental sanitation” and secure all food in rodent-proof containers to break the chain of transmission.
In addition, Head of Pediatrics at FMC Jalingo, Dr. Philip Aboki, explained that vigilance must extend to the youngest members of society, who are the most vulnerable. Parents are encouraged to monitor children for symptoms such as persistent fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding, as early detection remains the only effective way to manage the illness.
Rapid response teams have since been deployed to affected communities to isolate new cases and dispel dangerous misconceptions regarding medical interventions. Ultimately, community leaders have been advised to cooperate with health officials in enforcing strict infection control protocols to contain the spread of the virus.
