The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died following a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas. The disease, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord’s protective membranes, is caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread from person to person.
State Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, made the announcement during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, revealing that 248 suspected cases had been recorded. Symptoms of the disease include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications or death.
Ismaila said, “In week seven, we faced an outbreak with an unusually high number of cases. Symptoms included fever, headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.” He also confirmed that 11 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for testing, with two samples from Jega and Gwandu returning negative results. Results for the remaining nine samples are still pending.
The outbreak has led to 26 confirmed deaths—15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.
In response, the state government has partnered with the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF to conduct advocacy visits to stakeholders. The state has also allocated N30 million for purchasing drugs and supplies to combat the outbreak. Isolation centres have been established in the affected areas of Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero.
Ismaila urged residents to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report any suspected cases to local health facilities.
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