By Lassa Fever Outbreak in Taraba: GTA Hausa Interview Confirmed by AfriktimesNo fewer than 100 suspected cases of Lassa fever have been recorded in Taraba State between January and February 2026, as the endemic resurfaces with alarming intensity.
This was disclosed by the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Dr. Aisha Shehu, during an interview with GTA Hausa in Jalingo. The interview has been independently confirmed by Afriktimes.
According to Dr. Shehu, over 50 cases have been confirmed positive, while more than 20 people have died from the disease within the period under review. She added that at least 20 patients admitted at the facility have been successfully treated and discharged.
Describing the outbreak as severe, the Medical Director said the disease appears more aggressive this year. “This year, the endemic came with full force,” she noted.
She attributed the surge in patient numbers partly to the ongoing renovation and temporary closure of the Taraba State Specialists Hospital, which has increased the burden on FMC Jalingo.
Dr. Shehu highlighted several operational challenges facing the centre, including inadequate infrastructure and shortages of essential medical supplies such as hand gloves, face masks, and food items for patients, especially those undergoing treatment for Lassa fever.
While appreciating the Federal Government and some non-governmental organisations for their support, she appealed to the Taraba State Government and well-meaning individuals to urgently intervene and provide additional assistance.
She also urged healthcare workers to strictly adhere to Personal Protective Control (PPC) measures to safeguard themselves, and advised the public to maintain environmental hygiene, properly cover food, and prevent rats from accessing homes to reduce the risk of infection.
Lassa fever, first identified in 1968 in Borno State, is endemic in Nigeria and typically peaks during the dry season between October and May.
