26 dead as meningitis outbreak hits three LGAs in Kebbi

The Kebbi state government has confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in three LGAs of the state.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Yanusa Ismail, the state’s commissioner for health, relayed that the affected LGAs are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega.

According to Channels Television, he said 248 suspected cases have been recorded, with 11 samples taken for examination, out of which three have been confirmed negative.

Ismail added that the outbreak has resulted in 26 deaths.

Ismail said in response to the outbreak, the Kebbi state government has approved N30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease.

He said isolation centres have been set up to manage cases.

The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

He added that samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.

Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and remains a major public health challenge.

The disease can be caused by different pathogens including bacteria, fungi, or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.

It is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from the carrier.

Common signs and symptoms are fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness levels.