A suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis has led to the deaths of 26 people in Kebbi State. The outbreak has affected several local government areas, including Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a dangerous infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is often caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread through close contact with an infected person. The illness can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Without timely treatment, it can result in serious complications or even death.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, confirmed the outbreak during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi. He reported that a total of 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 stated.
He further noted that 11 samples had been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. While two samples—one from Jega and another from Gwandu—tested negative, 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.
To combat the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government has partnered with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF. Officials have conducted advocacy visits to key stakeholders to discuss ways to contain the spread of the disease.
The state government has also allocated N30 million for purchasing drugs and essential medical supplies to support treatment efforts.
“Drugs and medical supplies have been distributed to affected areas, and isolation centres have been set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” Ismaila noted.
