Meningitis Outbreak in Kebbi Claims 56 Lives, 653 Cases Suspected

• A cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak in Kebbi State has claimed 56 lives, with 653 suspected cases reported across three LGAs.
• The state received 3,000 vaccine doses, vaccinated over 2,700 people, and allocated ₦30 million for medical supplies and outbreak control.
• Officials urge residents to follow health guidelines and report symptoms like fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness to the nearest facility.

The Kebbi State government has confirmed that an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) has claimed at least 56 lives across three Local Government Areas (LGAs), with a total of 653 suspected cases recorded so far.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismaila, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu-Koko, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi.

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The briefing was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

According to the commissioner, the Public Health Department began receiving reports of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, some of which resulted in fatalities.

Following these reports, active surveillance was initiated, and samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation. At the same time, treatment commenced at the General Hospitals in the affected LGAs—Aliero, Jega, and Gwandu.

Of the 17 samples sent for testing, five returned positive, with cases distributed across Aliero (3), Gwandu (1), and Jega (1). Seven results are still pending. The commissioner further disclosed that all five confirmed patients had been treated and discharged.

To combat the outbreak, 3,000 doses of the CSM vaccine were received from the Federal Ministry of Health and distributed in affected areas. So far, 1,550 people have been vaccinated in Aliero, including those at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, 798 in Gwandu, and 450 in Jega. Vaccination efforts will continue as more doses become available.

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Additionally, the Kebbi State government has released ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs and essential medical supplies, while isolation centers have been set up in the affected LGAs. Advocacy visits have also been conducted in collaboration with WHO, MSF, and UNICEF to raise awareness.

The commissioner urged the public to comply with health guidelines and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for immediate action.

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