From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu,Birnin Kebbi
No fewer than 26 persons have been killed by suspected outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis in Kebbi, Kebbi Government says.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, confirmed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
” In week seven, we are saddled with unfortunate situation of outbreak rising number of cases more than usual characterise with symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ace, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitive to light.
” A total of 248 suspected cases were line- listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to National Reference Laboratory, Abuka for confirmation.
” Two samples result turn negative from the national reference laboratory Abuja, one in Jega and one in Gwandu LGAs.
” Nine samples result are pending from national reference laboratory, Abuja.
” 26 deaths (Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero, 4 and Argungu 1),” he explained.
Ismaila said that advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO),
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
” Drugs have been distributed and other commodities to affected LGAs.
” Sample collection training for clinicians across LGAs sponsored by WHO.
” Isolation centres were set up by MSF in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero with mistress along with drugs and other consumables,” he said.
Ismaila also added that the state government had donated N30 million to procure drugs and other consumables for the responsive activity to cushion the effect.
The commissioner called on the general public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility for necessary further action.
