A deadly virus is being silently fought at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Jalingo, according to Gistcon.
As a sobering reminder of the worsening health situation in Taraba State, the hospital documented 42 deaths from Lassa fever between November 2025 and March 2026.
The FMC is having a tough time of it despite being the biggest tertiary health center in the state. As the epidemic keeps taking lives, healthcare professionals are operating under enormous pressure due to the hospital’s capacity being pushed thin due to a lack of medical doctors.
The current epidemic was described in a bleak light by Dr. Abubakar Kirim, Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo.
“Lassa Fever is surging, and if not properly managed, it is claiming lives on a daily basis,” he added, describing the situation as an extremely dangerous epidemic.
During that five-month period, 102 instances of Lassa fever were confirmed, out of 230 suspected cases, according to Dr. Kirim. A total of 95 individuals were admitted; 30 of them patients were able to receive treatment and were then discharged.
However, combating the illness is no picnic. When tests take too long, some patients get so agitated that they run away from the clinic, putting themselves and others in danger.
We send samples to Bauchi or Edo for confirmation when we run out of reagents. Dr. Kirim said that some patients become restless and decide to leave while they wait.
The unfortunate reality is that the virus has also taken lives among the medical personnel. An MD, a nurse, and a driver all fell victim to Lassa fever while on the job. The nurse made a full recovery, but the doctor and driver both died.
Our medical professionals are putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. “Our work becomes even more challenging due to the shortage of doctors,” Dr. Kirim stated.
The medical center is currently making an appeal for licensed physicians to take up the cause. He emphasised the critical need for additional medical professionals to enhance our reaction to the epidemic.
Even outside of FMC Jalingo, getting the word out is essential. Dr. Kirim urged everyone involved, from ward officials to city council members and the state health department, to work together on extensive awareness efforts. A coordinated response is the only way to save lives as the epidemic continues to rise daily,” he emphasised.
Also, Jalingo residents should be careful not to come into touch with rodents, to keep themselves clean, and to get medical help right once if they experience any of the symptoms of Lassa fever, which include fever, headaches, and bleeding.
Stories like this serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of healthcare systems during epidemics and the bravery of frontline staff who fight against the odds to preserve lives, while FMC Jalingo keeps running under trying circumstances.