JALINGO, Nigeria — The Federal Medical Centre Jalingo has confirmed the deaths of 50 patients from Lassa fever, describing the outbreak as one of the most severe recorded at the facility in recent years.
Suleiman Abubakar Kirim, head of clinical services at the hospital, said in an interview on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that 226 suspected cases had been admitted, of which 95 were confirmed through laboratory testing.
Of the confirmed cases, 50 patients died, while 20 others were treated and discharged, according to Kirim.
He added that new infections were still being reported, indicating that the outbreak remains active.
Kirim described the situation as the highest number of suspected cases and fatalities the centre has recorded in recent times.
Seasonal Patterns and Outlook
The physician expressed cautious optimism that infection rates could decline with the onset of the rainy season, noting that transmission of Lassa fever is typically higher during the dry season.
Hospital management said it had introduced service packs aimed at improving standardisation, safety and accountability in care delivery, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks.
Officials said the system is designed to ensure the availability of sterile and properly organised medical consumables, reducing the risk of infection transmission within healthcare settings.
“The absence of properly structured and sterile consumables, or reliance on repeatedly handled materials, increases the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients, with potentially severe public health consequences. Service packs therefore serve as a frontline safeguard for both patients and medical personnel,” the hospital said in a statement.
Broader Healthcare Context
The hospital noted that similar systems are in use at other tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, as well as in health systems in countries such as Ghana, the United States, India and South Africa.
Management also highlighted the availability of public engagement channels, including its SERVICOM unit, to address inquiries and complaints, urging the public to use official platforms for information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary alarm.
The outbreak adds to ongoing concerns about recurrent infectious diseases in parts of Nigeria, where health authorities continue to monitor and respond to cases of Lassa fever.
