Kebbi faces meningitis outbreak, 26 dead, state govt confirms

The Kebbi State government has confirmed a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state: Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.

Alhaji Musa Ismaila, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed the grim figures during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

“In week seven, we are saddled with the unfortunate situation of an outbreak, with a rising number of cases more than usual, characterised by symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitivity to light,” Ismaila explained.

“A total of 248 suspected cases was line-listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, for confirmation. Two sample results turned negative from the national reference laboratory in Abuja, one in Jega and another one in Gwandu LGAs. Nine sample results are pending from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja. 26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero 4 and Argungu 1,” he detailed.

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Ismaila further stated that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

He also revealed that the state government has released N30 million to procure drugs and other essential supplies for the response efforts. “Drugs and other commodities had been distributed to affected local government areas. Isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.

The commissioner urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for immediate action.

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