LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Bauchi State has seen a sharp rise in Lassa fever cases, raising fresh concerns among health responders with new data highlighting growing fatalities and delayed treatment linked to misdiagnosis.
According to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, 68 deaths and 311 confirmed cases were recorded between October 1, 2025, and March 23, 2026.
The international medical organization said it has been supporting case management at the state’s Lassa Fever Centre since 2022, providing diagnosis, medication, and mental health services to affected patients.
This sustained intervention reflects an intensified response as case numbers continue to climb.
Asides clinical care, outreach teams have expanded operations across Bauchi, Kirfi, Toro, and Tafawa Balewa local government areas. These efforts prioritize early detection, prompt isolation, and swift referrals, critical steps in limiting transmission within communities.
Meanwhile, MSF official Abdulkareem Yakubu, said the organization is actively strengthening local capacity while addressing widespread misinformation about the disease.
“We are training health workers and tackling misinformation,” he stated.
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In addition, Emergency Programme Manager Dr. Ayokunnu Raji, warned that similarities between Lassa fever symptoms and malaria are contributing to delayed diagnosis, underscoring a key challenge in early response.
“Symptoms often mimic malaria, delaying treatment,” he noted.
Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or contact with infected bodily fluids. While many infections remain mild, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
Across Nigeria, 516 confirmed cases and 135 deaths have been recorded so far this year, a 31 percent increase compared to previous figures. MSF is currently responding in six states and has announced plans to upgrade the Bauchi treatment centre into a dedicated training hub to strengthen regional preparedness.
The evolving outbreak highlights the urgent need for faster diagnosis, improved awareness, and sustained investment in frontline healthcare systems to curb further spread.
