Meningitis kills 56 in Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government says it has intensified efforts to contain the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state which has so far claimed 56 lives.
The government said at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi that the deaths were recorded in Jega, Aliero and Gwandu local government areas.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa Isma’il, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko said, “the Public Health Department started receiving reports of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, with some cases resulting in fatalities.
“Active surveillance was initiated, and samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation.”
He stated that out of 653 suspected cases, 17 samples were sent to NRL Abuja, with five testing positive—three from Aliero, one from Gwandu, and one from Jega.
All five positive cases were successfully treated and discharged, while seven results are still pending.
The commissioner further revealed that the federal government has provided 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines, which have been distributed to the most affected communities.
“Vaccination efforts have covered 1,550 people in Aliero, including the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology community, 798 in Gwandu, and 450 in Jega.”
The commissioner assured that statewide vaccination would continue as more doses arrive.
To support the containment efforts, the state government has released ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs and essential medical supplies, with isolation centers established in the affected LGAs, and necessary medications and consumables provided.
He urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report suspected cases to nearest health facility.
