Kebbi State government on Tuesday confirmed the death of 26 persons in an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three Local Government Areas of the state
The state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, made the confirmation during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi.
“In week seven, we are saddled with unfortunate situation of outbreak rising number of cases more than usual, characterised with symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ace, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitive to light.
“A total of 248 suspected cases was line-listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to National Reference Laboratory, Abuja for confirmation.
“Two samples results turned negative from the national reference laboratory Abuja, one in Jega and another one in Gwandu LGAs.
“Nine samples results are pending from national reference laboratory, Abuja.
“26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero, 4 and Argungu 1,” he explained.
Ismaila said that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO), Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
He added that the state government had released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables for the responsive activity to cushion the effect.
The Commissioner also said that drugs had been distributed and other commodities to affected Local Government Areas.
“Isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero, while, drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.
He called on the general public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility for necessary action.(vitalnewsngr.com)
