The Kebbi State Government has urged residents to report suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis to the nearest health facilities following the outbreak which has claimed 26 lives in the state.
About 248 suspected cases reported across Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed the figures during a press briefing on Tuesday, adding that 11 samples were taken for laboratory examination, with three testing negative.
Additional samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the government will request vaccines to contain the disease.
In response, the Kebbi State government has approved N30 million for the procurement of essential drugs. Isolation centers have also been established to manage and contain the infection effectively.
While urging residents to remain vigilant to prevent further fatalities, the commissioner encouraged residents to prioritize personal hygiene and avoid crowded areas to reduce the risk of infection.
However, the publics were advised to take precautionary measures.
Similarly, in neighboring Sokoto State, Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno, confirmed the outbreak in a statement issued on Tuesday through the ministry’s Information/Public Relations Officer, Nura Maikwanci.
Wurno revealed that laboratory tests have identified several cases in Sokoto, prompting the state’s health ministry to intensify surveillance, case management, and public health interventions to curb the spread.
“We call on residents to take preventive measures, including seeking immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or neck stiffness,” Wurno stated.
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Wurno reassured the public that Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has provided essential medications to health centers across the state.
Meningitis is a severe infection affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The disease, primarily caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, is transmitted through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions.
Common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness levels.
