26 die as meningitis outbreak hits Kebbi

The outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Kebbi State has killed no fewer than 26 persons in the state.

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismaila, confirmed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Ismaila said: “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 in 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.

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“26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero, 4 and Argungu one.”

Ismaila stated that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), and  United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

He added that the Kebbi State Government had released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables for the responsive activity to cushion the effect.

The commissioner said drugs had been distributed to the affected Local Government Areas.

“Isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.

The commissioner, therefore, called on the general public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case of meningitis to the nearest health facility in Kebbi State for necessary action.

The Star