The Kebbi State government has confirmed that 26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis. The outbreak occurred in the Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega Local Government Areas. Yanusa Ismail, the state’s commissioner for health, made this announcement during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to Ismail, the affected Local Government Areas are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega. He reported that 248 suspected cases have been recorded. To confirm the outbreak, 11 samples were taken for examination. Out of these, three samples have been confirmed negative.
Ismail also announced that the outbreak has resulted in 26 deaths. In response to the outbreak, the Kebbi state government has approved N30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease.
Isolation centers have been set up to manage cases. The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection. He also announced that samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing. If confirmed, “the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.”
In a related development, the Sokoto State government has also confirmed an outbreak of meningitis. Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno, confirmed the outbreak in a statement on Tuesday, March 11, through the ministry’s Information/Public Relations Officer, Nura Maikwanci.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or neck stiffness. The ministry has intensified surveillance, case management, and public health interventions to curb the spread of the disease.
According to the statement, “To curb its spread, the ministry has intensified surveillance, case management, and public health interventions. We call on residents to take preventive measures, including seeking immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or neck stiffness.”
Commissioner Wurno urged the public to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility. He assured the public that the state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, had provided essential medications to health centers across the state.
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It remains a major public health challenge. The disease can be caused by different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, or viruses. However, the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.
The disease is transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from the carrier.
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