By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has ramped up its efforts to contain the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state, which has claimed 56 lives across three local government areas of Jega, Aliero, and Gwandu.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa Isma'il, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko, "The Public Health Department started receiving reports of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, with some cases resulting in fatalities."
Isma'il explained that active surveillance was initiated, and samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation. Out of 653 suspected cases, 17 samples were sent to NRL Abuja, with five testing positive—three from Aliero, one from Gwandu, and one from Jega. All five positive cases were successfully treated and discharged, while seven results are still pending.
The commissioner further revealed that the federal government provided 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines, which have been distributed to the most affected communities. Vaccination efforts have covered 1,550 people in Aliero (including the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology community), 798 in Gwandu, and 450 in Jega. He assured that statewide vaccination would continue as more doses arrive.
To support containment efforts, the state government has released ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs and essential medical supplies. Isolation centers have also been established in the affected LGAs, with necessary medications and consumables provided.
Isma'il urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility. "We are working closely with development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), to ensure that we contain this outbreak," he added.
The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens, and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent further outbreaks.
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Health