A suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis has killed 26 people in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kebbi State, according to the state government.
The affected LGAs are Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega. Commissioner for Health Alhaji Musa Ismaila confirmed the outbreak during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
Ismaila reported that 248 suspected cases have been line-listed, with 11 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. Two sample results turned negative, while nine are pending.
The commissioner stated that the state government has released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables to combat the outbreak. Isolation centers have been set up in the affected areas, and drugs and other commodities have been distributed.
Ismaila explained that the symptoms of the outbreak include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light. He urged the public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt action.
The commissioner also disclosed that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to sensitize the public on the outbreak and preventive measures.
The Kebbi State Government has assured residents that it is taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
