Taraba state is presently grappling with its most widespread Lassa fever outbreak in over a decade, with no fewer than 15 deaths and 49 confirmed infections recorded across several local government councils of the state, DAILY POST has observed.

Health authorities say the outbreak, described as the worst in the last 14 years, has exposed gaps in early detection, public awareness and health seeking behaviour, even as medical personnel intensify efforts to contain the viral haemorrhagic disease.

The Acting Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jalingo, Dr. Suleiman Kirim, confirmed the figures in an interview with journalists, expressing deep concern over the increasing fatality rate.

According to him, 45 patients are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state, while 20 others have been successfully treated and discharged.

DAILY POST reports that beyond the numbers, lies a growing strain on the state’s healthcare infrastructure. The outbreak has placed enormous pressure on facilities, particularly the FMC in 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,” Dr. Kirim said.

Health experts attribute the high mortality rate largely to delayed presentation at hospitals. Many patients, Dr. Kirim explained, initially resort to self medication or traditional remedies, seeking professional medical help only when complications have already set in.

“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,” he said.

Medical professionals warn that Lassa fever, when detected early, can be managed more successfully. However, once patients present with severe symptoms, including bleeding and organ complications, survival chances drop significantly.

Compounding the challenge is widespread misinformation and skepticism about medical interventions.

According to Dr. Kirim, misconceptions about the disease continue to undermine containment efforts.

Some community members, he noted, remain doubtful about orthodox treatment, while others fail to comply with preventive measures issued by health authorities.

This reluctance, experts say, not only delays treatment but also increases the risk of transmission within households and communities.

Professor Joshua Difa of the Department of Public Health at FMC Jalingo emphasized that sustained public awareness and grassroots engagement are critical to curbing the outbreak.

“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, particularly in healthcare settings where infection prevention protocols are not strictly observed.

“If preventive measures are not strictly adhered to, the disease can spread rapidly,” Professor Difa warned.

He urged residents to maintain proper environmental sanitation, store food in rodent proof containers and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions. He also called on health workers to strictly observe infection prevention and control measures to reduce hospital-based transmission.

The Head of Pediatrics at FMC Jalingo, Dr. Philip Aboki, highlighted the vulnerability of children, urging parents to remain vigilant.

He advised families to promptly report symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting and unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility.

“Children are not immune. Parents must seek medical help immediately when symptoms appear,” he said.

In response to the crisis, the FMC is collaborating with the Taraba State Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to strengthen surveillance, improve logistics and enhance data management for effective coordination.

State health authorities have intensified sensitization campaigns in affected communities, deployed rapid response teams and increased surveillance to detect and isolate new cases.

As Taraba battles its worst Lassa fever outbreak in 14 years, health experts say the situation underscores the urgent need for improved public health awareness, early reporting systems and stronger community trust in medical institutions.

Delayed hospital visits fueling rising Lassa fever deaths as Taraba battles disease