No fewer than 26 people have been confirmed dead following suspected outbreak of Cerebrospinal meningitis in Kebbi State.
The fatalities occurred in Aliero, Gwandu and Jega Local Government Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, confirmed the deaths at a news conference in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
“In week seven, we are saddled with unfortunate situation of outbreak rising number of cases more than usual, characterised with symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ace, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitive to light.
“A total of 248 suspected cases was line- listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to National Reference Laboratory, Abuka for confirmation.
“Two samples results turned negative from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja – one in Jega Local Government Area and another one in Gwandu Local Government Area.
“Nine samples results are pending from national reference laboratory, Abuja.
“26 deaths were recorded from four local government areas – Gwandu, 15; Jega, 6; Aliero, 4; and Argungu, 1,” he explained.
Ismaila said that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO), Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Thefrontrank reports that Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses and can spread from person to person.
Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious complications or death.
