Meningitis outbreak kills 26 in Kebbi – Govt

No less than26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas of Kebbi State.

Musa Ismaila, Commissioner for Health, confirmed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

According to him, 248 suspected cases were recorded.

Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

It is usually 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.

Ismaila stated, “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.

“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.

“So far, 26 deaths have been recorded: 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.”

He added that the government in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF has conducted advocacy visits to key stakeholders.

He stated further that the state government had allocated N30 million for purchasing drugs and essential supplies to support response efforts.

“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 suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt action.