An outbreak of meningitis has killed no fewer than 26 people in three Local Government Areas of Kebbi State.
The Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, revealing that a total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded, with 11 samples taken for examination, out of which three have been confirmed negative.
The commissioner said that the affected LGAs are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega, providing a breakdown of the fatalities as follows: 18 in Gwandu, six in Jega, four in Aleiro, and one in Argungu.
Responding to the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government said it has approved N30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease.
The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection, confirming that isolation centres have been set up to manage cases.
According to thim, samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.
Another case was also detected at Aleiro State University of Science and Technology, resulting in one death.
The commissioner confirmed the development and advised the university authorities to take measures to decongest student hostels.