March 11, (THEWILL) – The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that 26 people have died from a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, Jega and Argungu local government areas.
Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, who disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, said 15 fatalities were recorded in Gwandu, six in Jega, four in Aliero, and one in Argungu.
Ismail said a total of 248 suspected cases had been recorded, with 11 samples taken for examination, out of which three have been confirmed negative. He added that 11 samples had been sent to Abuja for further testing.
Warning the public against self-medication, the Government said isolation camps had been opened.
Noting that Governor Nasir Idris had provided N30 million for the procurement of drugs and other consumables for the response activity to cushion the effect of the disease, Ismail advised residents to “avoid sleeping in overcrowded rooms. They should regularly wash their hands after going to the toilet. They should stop visiting the isolation camps and should ensure they wash their fruits before eating to avoid contracting meningitis.”
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a severe infection that leads to inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is typically caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread through close contact with an infected person.
According to health officials, common symptoms of the disease include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, the infection can result in severe complications or even death.
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