Doctors Without Borders, Bauchi Hospital Detect 40 Lassa Fever Cases

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders has detected over 40 suspected cases of Lassa fever within the first three weeks of January this year at its Lassa Fever Treatment Centre in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

An unusual spike in suspected Lassa fever cases, raised concern among health workers as the disease resurfaces at a time it was least expected.

The coordinator of the treatment centre, Dr Ibrahim Mahmood, disclosed this yesterday during an interview with journalists in his office in Bauchi.

He described the trend as alarming, noting that Lassa fever outbreaks are typically less common at the beginning of the year.

“We have seen a rise in suspected Lassa fever cases at the turn of 2026, which is quite unusual,” Dr Mahmood said.

He added, “This development has informed our decision, with the support of MSF, to operate the centre year-round.”

According to him, the facility currently has a 27-bed capacity for monitoring suspected cases and about 60 beds dedicated to the admission and treatment of confirmed patients.

He added that plans are already underway to expand the confirmed cases ward.

“Based on what the data is telling us, we have planned for an additional 10 beds in the confirmed cases section to accommodate the growing number of patients coming to the facility,” he said.

Dr Mahmood explained that beyond medical care, the centre also provides psychosocial support to patients, stressing that the comprehensive approach has become critical as case numbers rise.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, Prof. Yusuf Jibrin, commended MSF for its sustained support in the management of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases at the hospital.

Prof. Jibrin attributed the increase in patient turnout partly to improved community mobilisation and awareness, which he said has encouraged more people to seek early treatment.

“Our hospital has witnessed a tremendous rise in Lassa fever patients coming forward for care.

“ATBUTH is also equipped with a molecular laboratory that tests and confirms Lassa fever cases from across the North-East and neighbouring states,” he said.