Health authorities in Kebbi State have raised concerns over a suspected outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), which has resulted in 26 deaths and 248 recorded cases across four local government areas.
Providing an update on the situation in Birnin Kebbi, the State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Ismail, confirmed that the affected LGAs include Gwandu (15 deaths), Aleiro (6 deaths), Jega (4 deaths), and Argungu (1 death).
“In response to this outbreak, we have taken proactive measures by distributing essential drugs, setting up isolation centres, and training clinicians in sample collection to improve early detection and treatment,” the Commissioner stated. He added that the World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the training programme to enhance the state’s response capacity.
According to Alhaji Ismail, 11 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation. “So far, two samples have tested negative, while nine results are still pending,” he revealed.
The state government has also allocated ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs and other medical supplies to mitigate the outbreak’s impact. Additionally, once positive confirmation is received from NRL Abuja, the government will request vaccines from national health authorities to ensure widespread immunisation.
The Health Commissioner urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms, avoid overcrowded sleeping spaces, maintain proper hygiene, and ensure a clean environment to curb the disease’s spread.
Cerebrospinal Meningitis is a severe bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Outbreaks are common in Nigeria’s northern states, especially during the dry season, due to increased dust levels and low humidity, which facilitate bacterial transmission.
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