By Deborah Nnamdi
The Kebbi government has confirmed the deaths of 26 individuals due to a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The affected Local Government Areas are Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
This was confirmed by the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
“In week seven, we are saddled with the unfortunate situation of an outbreak, with a rising number of cases more than usual, characterized by symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.
“A total of 248 suspected cases was line-listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, for confirmation.
“Two sample results turned negative from the national reference laboratory in Abuja, one in Jega and another one in Gwandu LGAs.
“Nine sample results are pending from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.
“26 deaths – 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 the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
He added that the state government had released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables for the responsive activity to cushion the effect.
He also said that drugs and other commodities had been distributed to affected local government areas.
“Isolation centers were set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.
The commissioner then called on the general public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility for necessary action..
