Suspected Meningitis Outbreak Kills 26 in Kebbi, Government Confirms

The Kebbi State Government has confirmed the deaths of 26 people following a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three Local Government Areas (LGAs). The affected areas include Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega, where an unusual number of cases have been reported.

At a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, disclosed that the outbreak has led to 248 suspected cases. Symptoms observed in affected individuals include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light.

Authorities have taken steps to confirm the nature of the outbreak. Eleven samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for testing. So far, two samples have tested negative, while results for the remaining nine are still pending.

The reported fatalities are distributed as follows: Gwandu recorded the highest number of deaths with 15, followed by Jega with six, Aliero with four, and Argungu with one.

In response to the crisis, the Kebbi State Government has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNICEF to contain the outbreak and provide medical support. As part of its intervention, the state has released N30 million for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies. These resources are being distributed to the affected LGAs to support treatment efforts.

Additionally, the government has set up isolation centers in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero to manage cases and prevent further spread. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak.

Commissioner Ismaila urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines. He advised anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis to seek immediate medical attention. He also encouraged the public to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility to ensure prompt intervention.

The Kebbi State Government continues to collaborate with health organizations to manage the outbreak. Authorities are focusing on early detection, treatment, and preventive measures to curb further infections and fatalities.