In Kebbi State, a suspected meningitis outbreak has tragically claimed the lives of 26 people across several local government areas.
The state’s Health Commissioner, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed in Birnin Kebbi that 248 suspected cases have been recorded, with samples sent for laboratory analysis—eleven in total, of which three tested negative.
The outbreak has severely affected areas including Gwandu, Jega, Aleiro, and Argungu, where fatalities were reported as 15, six, four, and one respectively.
Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is characterized by symptoms such as stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, and vomiting.
In response, the government has established isolation camps and dispatched additional samples to Abuja for further testing.
Commissioner Ismail urged the public to refrain from self-medicating and advised anyone displaying symptoms to seek immediate hospital care.
Additionally, he emphasized preventive measures such as avoiding overcrowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and properly washing fruits before consumption.
Governor Nasir Idris has allocated N30 million for procuring essential drugs and consumables to mitigate the outbreak’s impact and prevent further spread.
