- Both Sokoto and Kebbi states are grappling with a rising number of meningitis cases
- 26 deaths from suspected meningitis, with 248 cases reported across Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega in Kebbi State
- Meningitis cases in Sokoto State surged, prompting urgent public health responses
Sokoto and Kebbi states in Nigeria are currently facing a rising number of meningitis cases, prompting health authorities to issue public health warnings and intensify surveillance efforts.
In Kebbi State, the government has confirmed 26 deaths linked to a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis across three local government areas: Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
Kebbi collaborates with WHO to manage meningitis outbreak
Alhaji Musa Ismaila, the state’s Commissioner for Health, disclosed the tragic toll during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 11.
He reported that a total of 248 suspected cases have been documented, with symptoms including fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, stomach pain, vomiting, 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.”
Ismaila stated that while two of the samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja tested negative, nine results are still pending.
He highlighted that 26 deaths have been recorded, with 15 in Gwandu, 6 in Jega, 4 in Aliero, and 1 in Argungu.
In response, the state government has allocated N30 million to procure necessary medications and supplies, and isolation centres have been established in the affected LGAs.
“Isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.
The government was reportedly working alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNICEF to manage the outbreak.
Meningitis cases rise in Sokoto, authorities issue warning
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, a similar health crisis has emerged, with an increasing number of confirmed meningitis cases across multiple local government areas.
Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, the Commissioner for Health, warned residents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or neck stiffness.
The state Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to control the spread, including ramping up case management and public health interventions.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ensured that health facilities across Sokoto are stocked with necessary medications and public awareness campaigns have been launched to encourage early detection and treatment.
Dr Abubakar urged citizens to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid crowded spaces, and report any unusual illnesses promptly.
Both state governments called on the public to stay alert and cooperate with health instructions to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Strange illness making Nigerians collapse, go deaf, dumb: What you need to know
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that at least 24 residents of Bida, Niger State, were hospitalised with a mysterious illness causing paralysis and loss of speech.
Health officials investigated a possible link between diphenhydramine and illness spreading across several local communities in the State.