By Abiola Olawale
A wave of panic has gripped residents of Kebbi State following the state government’s confirmation of a suspected meningitis outbreak that has claimed 26 lives across three local government areas (LGAs).
The announcement, made by the State Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, has heightened fears.
According to Ismail, a total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded in Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega LGAs, with Gwandu LGA bearing the brunt of the fatalities with 18 deaths.
He added that Jega LGA reported six deaths, Aleiro four, and one additional death was recorded LGA in Argungu LGA.
The New Diplomat reports that Meningitis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, is known to spread rapidly in crowded or poorly ventilated conditions.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and confusion, often progressing quickly to life-threatening complications if untreated.
