No fewer than 34 persons have died following a meningitis outbreak that has affected 254 residents across nine local government areas of Sokoto State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, disclosed this on Wednesday, saying the outbreak had triggered an emergency response by the government.
According to the commissioner, several of the victims died at home before receiving medical attention because some residents initially believed the illness was caused by spiritual forces or mysterious circumstances.
He explained that isolation centres had been established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities located in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni local government areas to manage the situation.
Abubakar-Wurno added that 201 patients who received treatment at government-owned health facilities had recovered and were discharged.
The affected local government areas include Dange-Shuni, Kebbe, Shagari, Tambuwal, Wamakko, Sabon Birni, Bodinga, Kware and Gada.
He said laboratory investigations confirmed meningitis infections in several samples, indicating active transmission within the affected communities.
The commissioner described meningitis as a severe infection affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, noting that the disease spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments.
He said the state government had intensified sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on preventive measures, including proper ventilation and early medical intervention.
According to him, children between the ages of one and 15 years are the most vulnerable, while dry weather conditions and overcrowding have contributed to the spread of the disease.
He also stated that surveillance had been strengthened across the state, with health personnel deployed to affected areas alongside improved laboratory testing and distribution of essential medications aimed at containing the outbreak.
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