Kebbi Takes Swift Action On Suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreak

The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, has released the sum of ₦30 million to procure drugs and other medical consumables to cushion the effects of the suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega Local Government Areas.

Following reports of suspected cases, the Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNICEF, took immediate action to contain the outbreak.

Key measures implemented include:Advocacy visits to stakeholders in the affected areas,Detailed outbreak investigations,Distribution of essential drugs and medical supplies to affected communities and Training for clinicians on sample collection, sponsored by WHO.

Another major step taken is the establishment of isolation centers in Gwandu,Jega, and Aliero, equipped with mattresses, drugs, and other necessary consumables.

During a press briefing, the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Kebbi State, Comrade Yunusa Musa Ismail disclosed that a total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded.

According to him, eleven samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation, with two results returning negative, while nine are still pending.

The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures by reporting all symptoms to the nearest health facility.

They are advised to avoid sleeping in overcrowded rooms, maintain proper personal hygiene, keep residential areas clean,practice regular hand washing with soap and water,avoid visits to isolation centers, ensure that all patients receive treatment in designated isolation centers rather than at home and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

“The state government has also assured citizens that once positive cases are confirmed, requests will be made to the Federal Government for immediate vaccine deployment to curb further spread”, Commissioner said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Kauran Gwandu’s administration to safeguarding public health and ensuring prompt response to disease outbreaks while calling on all residents to cooperate with health officials to prevent escalation.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity Kebbi State Governor.