The Kebbi State Government has confirmed the death of 26 individuals following a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, provided an update on the situation, revealing that the outbreak had led to an alarming increase in cases.
“In week seven, we were faced with an unfortunate outbreak, with a rising number of cases exceeding normal levels. Symptoms observed include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light,” Ismaila stated.
He disclosed that a total of 248 suspected cases had been recorded, with 11 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. While two samples—one from Jega and another from Gwandu—tested negative, results from nine other samples are still pending.
According to the health commissioner, the death toll stands at 26, with Gwandu recording 15 fatalities, Jega six, Aliero four, and Argungu one.
In response, the state government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNICEF, has taken urgent steps to contain the outbreak. Ismaila announced that the government had released N30 million for the procurement of drugs and other medical supplies.
Isolation centers have been established in the affected LGAs, while essential medications and consumables have been distributed to mitigate the crisis.
The commissioner urged residents to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facility.
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