Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gbangsheya Buma, has announced the outbreak of the viral hemorrhagic fever (Lassa) in the state.

Nine suspected cases were registered at Federal Medical Center, FMC, Jalingo, and the commissioner further revealed that eight persons have tested positive.

He assured residents that the state ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation and is ready for any eventuality. Buma said; 

“It is not a surprising thing, this is the season and we have made preparations, though the outbreak may be overwhelming, I just received support from NCDC, they have sent some people here to provide technical support with the aim of stopping the progress of the disease.

“We are actually on top of it. We have provided support as a state to the FMC to provide free treatment to patients of Lassa fever.

“Eight of the Nine blood samples from suspected cases collected from FMC Jalingo as of last Friday have been confirmed for Lassa fever.”

Also commenting on the outbreak, the acting Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jalingo, Joseph Kuni said; 

“One of the hospital staff, a medical doctor, was also affected but has since been treated and discharged.”