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Taraba State is currently in the grip of its most devastating Lassa Fever outbreak in over a decade. With 15 confirmed deaths and 49 infections across multiple local government councils, the sheer scale of the crisis has overwhelmed the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
This is the worst the state has seen in 14 years, and medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jalingo say they are working around the clock just to keep pace with the influx of patients.
The Traditional Medicine Trap
What is making this outbreak particularly deadly isn’t just the virus itself, but a dangerous delay in seeking help. Dr. Suleiman Kirim, Acting Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo, noted a disturbing trend: patients are seeking professional help only when they are already experiencing severe complications like internal bleeding or organ failure.
“We are seeing cases that come in very late,” Dr. Kirim lamented. “Many initially resort to self-medication or traditional remedies.” By the time these patients reach a modern facility, their chances of survival have plummeted.
In contrast, those who report symptoms early such as persistent fever and weakness can often be successfully managed with antiviral drugs. Currently, 20 patients have been discharged, while 45 remain in treatment.
A Vulnerable Generation
The outbreak has put a spotlight on the most vulnerable members of society: children. Dr. Philip Aboki, Head of Pediatrics, issued an emotional plea to parents to remain vigilant. He reminded families that children are not immune to the viral hemorrhagic disease and urged them to report any signs of sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding immediately.
As the FMC Jalingo collaborates with the NCDC and the state government to strengthen surveillance, the message from Taraba is clear: the battle against Lassa Fever cannot be won in the hospital alone. It requires a fundamental shift in community trust, an end to medical skepticism, and the understanding that in the face of this virus, time is the most precious commodity of all.
