The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas.
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It is often caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious complications or death.
The state Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, confirmed the outbreak during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. He revealed that 248 suspected cases had been recorded so far.
“In week seven, we faced an outbreak with an unusually high number of cases. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light,” Ismaila said.
He added, “A total of 248 suspected cases were recorded, with 11 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. Two samples — one from Jega and another from Gwandu — tested negative, while results for nine others are still pending.”
Providing a breakdown of the deaths, Ismaila stated, “So far, 26 deaths have been recorded: 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.”
To curb the spread of the disease, the government has partnered with the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF. Advocacy visits have been made to key stakeholders to strengthen response efforts.
Ismaila further disclosed that the state government had allocated N30 million for purchasing drugs and essential supplies.
“Drugs and medical supplies have been distributed to affected areas, and isolation centres have been set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” he said.
The commissioner urged the public to follow health guidelines and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt action.
