A meningitis outbreak has been confirmed in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kebbi State, resulting in 26 deaths and 248 suspected cases.
The affected LGAs are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega, with the majority of fatalities recorded in Gwandu (18), followed by Jega (6), Aleiro (4), and Argungu (1)
The State Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed the outbreak during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. He revealed that 11 samples have been taken for examination, with three confirmed negative. The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
In response to the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government has approved ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease. Isolation centres have been set up in the affected LGAs to manage cases, and samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing. If confirmed, the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.
A case was also detected at Aleiro State University of Science and Technology, resulting in one death. The commissioner advised the university authorities to take measures to decongest student hostels to prevent further transmission.
