The recent meningitis outbreak has claimed lives in Sokoto, Yobe, Gombe, and Kebbi states.
In Kebbi, the state government has confirmed that the death toll has risen to 56, with 25 deaths in Gwandu, 16 in Jega, and 14 in Aliero Local Government Areas.
The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Nuhu Koko, revealed that 653 suspected cases have been reported across five local government areas: 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. Out of 17 samples tested, five returned positive, with cases recorded in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
Dr. Koko stated that all five patients who tested positive have been treated and discharged, while results for seven other samples are pending.
In response, the Kebbi State Government has received 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The vaccines have been distributed to the most affected areas, and isolation centers have been set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a public health advisory on cerebrospinal meningitis, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to health authorities.
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