The Kebbi State Government has officially acknowledged a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis, confirming the tragic loss of 26 lives
The affected areas include Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega local government areas, where the outbreak has taken a significant toll.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, a serious infection, causes inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is typically triggered by bacteria or viruses and can be transmitted from person to person.
The infection manifests through various symptoms, including fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to severe complications, including death
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, provided details of the outbreak during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. He revealed that 248 suspected cases had been recorded thus far.
Ismaila outlined the symptoms observed in the affected individuals, which included fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light. He explained that the outbreak was identified during week seven, with an unusually high number of cases.
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To confirm the diagnosis, 11 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja. Of those samples, two, one from Jega and another from Gwandu, tested negative. The results for the remaining nine samples are still pending.
Tragically, 26 deaths have been attributed to the suspected outbreak. The breakdown of fatalities is as follows: 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.
The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF, has initiated advocacy visits to key stakeholders to address the crisis
The state government has also allocated N30 million for the procurement of drugs and essential medical supplies to bolster the response efforts. These supplies have been distributed to the affected areas, and isolation centers have been established in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero
The commissioner urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and to promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for immediate action. This proactive approach is crucial in containing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life.
