The Federal Medical Center, FMC, Jalingo, is facing a silent battle against a deadly virus, DAILY POST reports.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, the hospital recorded 42 deaths from Lassa Fever, a stark reminder of the escalating health crisis in Taraba State.
The FMC, the largest tertiary health facility in the state, is facing an uphill struggle. Shortage of medical doctors has stretched the capacity of the hospital, forcing healthcare workers to operate under immense pressure as the epidemic continues to claim lives.
Dr. Abubakar Kirim, Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo, painted a grim picture of the ongoing outbreak.
“Lassa Fever is surging, and if not properly managed, it is claiming lives on a daily basis,” he said, describing the situation as a rapidly escalating epidemic.
According to Dr. Kirim, 230 suspected cases of Lassa Fever were reported in the five month period, with 102 confirmed. Of these, 95 patients were admitted, and 30 were successfully treated and discharged.
But the fight against the virus is not straightforward. Some patients, frustrated by delays in testing, abscond from the treatment center, risking their lives and those of others.
“When we run short of reagents, samples are sent to Bauchi or Edo for confirmation. During this waiting period, some patients get agitated and leave,” Dr. Kirim explained.
Tragically, the virus has also claimed lives among the hospital staff. Three health workers contracted Lassa Fever — a doctor, a nurse, and a driver. One doctor and the driver succumbed to the disease, while the nurse recovered.
“Our health workers are risking their lives to save others. The shortage of doctors makes our work even more challenging,” Dr. Kirim said.
The hospital is now appealing for qualified medical doctors to join the fight. “We urgently need more doctors to strengthen our response to this epidemic,” he urged.
Beyond the walls of FMC Jalingo, public awareness remains critical. Dr. Kirim called on stakeholders at all levels — from ward officials to local government authorities and the state Ministry of Health to join forces for massive awareness campaigns.
“The epidemic is rising daily, and only a coordinated response can save lives,” he stressed.
Residents of Jalingo are as well being warned to exercise caution by avoiding contact with rodents, maintain strict hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever, headaches, or bleeding appear, as they are all common signs of Lassa Fever.
As FMC Jalingo continues to operate under challenging conditions, the story unfolding is a stark reminder of the fragility of healthcare systems in the face of epidemics, and the courage of frontline workers battling against time and disease to save lives.
