Nine sample results are pending from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja. 26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero 4 and Argungu 1
It has been reported by the government of Kebbi that a probable epidemic of cerebrospinal meningitis has resulted in the deaths of twenty-six individuals in three of the state’s Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega are the three local governments. During a press event that took place on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, confirmed this information.
“In week seven, we are saddled with the unfortunate situation of an outbreak, with a rising number of cases more than usual, characterised by symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitivity to light.
“A total of 248 suspected cases was line-listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, for confirmation.
“Two sample results turned negative from the national reference laboratory in Abuja, one in Jega and another one in Gwandu LGAs.
“Nine sample results are pending from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja. 26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero 4 and Argungu 1.”
According to Ismaila, a tour to stakeholders was carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). This visit was intended to advocate for the cause.
He also mentioned that the state government has made available thirty million Nigerian naira for the purpose of purchasing pharmaceuticals and other consumables for the responsive activity in order to mitigate the impact.
- MENINGITIS
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and non-infectious conditions can cause meningitis. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.
- Symptoms of meningitis in children and adultsNeck stiffness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).Confusion or altered mental state.
- Lack of energy (lethargy), extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up.
- Lack of appetite.
- Small round spots that look like a rash (petechiae).
- How can one become infected with meningitis?
- Based on whether the source is contagious or not, meningitis can be contracted in many ways:
- From a contagious illness passed person-to-person, like a virus or bacteria.
- From food contaminated with something infectious.
- From swimming in or drinking water contaminated with something infectious.
- From fungi in the environment that you breathe in.
- As a complication of non-infectious illnesses, like cancer or lupus.
- As the result of a head injury or brain surgery.
- As a side effect of a medication.
- PREVENTION
- Get vaccinated against the bacterial and viral infections that can cause meningitis.
- Ask your providers which ones might be recommended for you or your child.
- Take care to avoid fungi infections.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with others when sick with a contagious illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Don’t swim in or drink water that could be contaminated.
- Use distilled or treated water for nasal irrigation.