Kebbi, Nigeria — The Kebbi State Government has confirmed a rise in the death toll from the ongoing meningitis outbreak, with fatalities now reaching 56 across affected local government areas.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Nuhu Koko, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, disclosed that the deaths were recorded in Gwandu (25), Jega (16), and Aliero (14) Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Dr. Koko further revealed that a total of 653 suspected cases have been reported in five LGAs: Aliero, Jega, Gwandu, Birnin Kebbi, and Bunza. Laboratory tests conducted at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja confirmed meningitis as the cause of the outbreak.
According to him, 17 samples were sent for testing, out of which five returned positive, with three cases in Aliero, one in Gwandu, and one in Jega. He assured that all five patients have been treated and discharged, while results for seven additional samples are still pending.
In response to the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government has received 3,000 doses of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) vaccines from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which have been dispatched to the worst-hit areas.
To strengthen containment efforts, isolation centers have been established in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero, equipped with essential medical supplies, including mattresses and drugs, to support treatment and recovery.
Dr. Koko reassured residents that the government is working closely with health officials to curb the spread of the disease. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt intervention.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory regarding Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), describing it as an acute inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | March 20, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
