At least 56 people have been confirmed dead, and there are 653 reported cases of cephalorrachid meningitis that affect five areas of the local government (LGA) in the state of Kebbi. The most affected areas are Jega, Aliero and Gwandu, but the situation is now under control.
Dr. Nuhu Koko, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health in the state of Kebbi, shared this update during a press conference on Wednesday.
Koko explained that the Department of Public Health began receiving reports from people who exhibited symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting and dizziness, which, in some cases, resulted in deaths.
Upon receiving these reports, active surveillance began. Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja to confirm the alleged outbreak, he said.
He said that the five positive patients were treated and discharged, while seven sampling results are pending with NRL Abuja, with a defense visit to the stakeholders in the state and the partners (WHO/MSF/UNICEF) carried out research outbreaks and distribution of drugs and other products affected to those affected.