The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died due to a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in the Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas.
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is typically caused by bacterial or viral infections and can spread from person to person.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, disclosed the outbreak during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. He explained that the state had been grappling with an increasing number of cases since week seven, with symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.
A total of 248 suspected cases were documented, 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 other samples are still pending.
The outbreak has resulted in 26 deaths: 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.
In response, the state government has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to carry out advocacy visits.
Additionally, the government has allocated N30 million to purchase drugs and essential supplies for the affected areas. Drugs and other medical commodities have already been distributed, and isolation centers have been set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero.
The Commissioner urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and report any suspected cases to nearby health facilities for immediate action.
