The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in the Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas.
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a severe infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The infection is commonly caused by bacteria or viruses and can be transmitted from person to person. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, the condition can result in serious complications or death.
The confirmation came from the state’s Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
Ismaila reported that 248 suspected cases had been recorded. He explained, “In week seven, we encountered an outbreak with an unusually high number of cases. The symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.”
He further revealed that 11 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. “Two samples—one from Jega and another from Gwandu—tested negative, while the results for nine others are still pending,” he added.
The commissioner also confirmed that 26 deaths had occurred as a result of the outbreak, with 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.
To address the situation, the state government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNICEF, has conducted advocacy visits to key stakeholders. Additionally, the state has allocated N30 million for the purchase of drugs and essential supplies to support response efforts.
“Medical supplies and drugs have been distributed to the affected areas, and isolation centers have been set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” Ismaila stated.
He urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for immediate action.
