A meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria has claimed at least 26 lives over several weeks, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The outbreak, which began in late January in Kebbi State, has recorded over 200 suspected cases, according to State Health Commissioner Musa Ismail. Medical supplies have been dispatched, and isolation centers established to curb the disease’s spread.
Neighboring Sokoto State, located about 150 kilometers (90 miles) away, has also reported suspected cases. Sokoto Health Commissioner Faruk Abubakar has urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, and severe headaches.
Meningitis, which thrives in Nigeria’s hot season, remains a significant public health concern, affecting the brain and spinal cord. Alongside meningitis, Nigeria is battling a high burden of malaria. The country previously received aid from the United States Agency for International Development to combat these diseases, but support has recently been withdrawn.
Nigeria, situated in the African Meningitis Belt, recorded 2,765 suspected cases and 190 deaths between 2022 and 2023, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2024, the World Health Organization reported 153 deaths from a similar outbreak. The nation is working to implement a roadmap approved by the World Health Assembly in 2020, aiming to eradicate meningitis by 2030.
Source: Swifteradio.com
