A fresh outbreak of Lassa fever has claimed 50 lives at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, Taraba State, raising serious public health concerns.
Hospital authorities confirmed that the deaths occurred between November 2025 and March 2026, making it one of the most severe outbreaks recorded in the state in recent years.
According to the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Abubakar Kirim, a total of 226 suspected cases were admitted during the period. Out of these, 95 were laboratory-confirmed, with 50 fatalities recorded.
Health officials say new infections are still being reported, highlighting the ongoing risk and the need for urgent intervention to contain the spread.
Medical experts attribute the surge in cases to increased exposure to infected rodents, particularly rats, which are known carriers of the virus.
Other major challenges include low public awareness about preventive measures and a critical shortage of medical personnel to handle the growing number of cases. Lassa fever is commonly spread through contact with food or surfaces contaminated by rodent urine or feces.
Despite the rising numbers, health officials remain cautiously optimistic that infection rates may decline with the onset of the rainy season, when transmission typically reduces.
Authorities are urging residents to maintain proper hygiene, store food safely, and avoid contact with rodents to reduce the risk of infection.
The outbreak underscores the urgent need for stronger public health awareness and improved healthcare capacity to prevent further loss of lives.
