Suggestions




Suspected Meningitis Outbreak Kills 38 In Jigawa

February 18, 2023
by
Suspected Meningitis Outbreak Kills 38 In Jigawa

Thirty eight persons have died of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), in Jigawa State.

Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr Salisu Muazu, who disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse, stated that the state recorded a total of 398 suspected cases between October 2022 to date.

Muazu added that the disease was detected in 56 political wards across seven local government areas of the state that border the Niger Republic.

He said the outbreak was initially from the neighbouring Niger Republic and later spread to the border communities in the state, through trans-border activities.

He further listed the affected areas including Babura, Maigatari, Suletankarkar, Birniwa, Gumel, Gwiwa and Yankwashi.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

He said: “This is even though last year, we conducted immunisation against this disease across the state.

“But after getting the report of the outbreak, we took the samples for testing in the laboratory, and we discovered it was a strange disease.

“It is not a normal CSM disease that we commonly know which is type A, this one, we discovered that it is bacteria, known as type B.

“And immediately after results were obtained, the state government, through the ministry swung into action, by offering free treatment, control and prevention measures in the affected areas.”

Muazu explained that the ministry had established an isolation centre at Gumel General Hospital, to which affected persons were being referred for proper treatment and observation.

He maintained that the situation had been brought under control, as fewer cases are now being recorded.

“As of now, we record only one to two cases per day. Some days passed without recording a single case, as the last was recorded on Saturday,” he said.

Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee
+ posts

Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee

Naira Crisis: Banks Will Remain Open So Long It’s Safe To Do So – CIBN
Previous Story

Naira Crisis: Banks Will Remain Open So Long As It’s Safe To Do So – CIBN

Next Story

Former Chelsea Star, Atsu, Found Dead In Turkey Home

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Ford Foundation Grantees Advance Climate Justice Across West Africa

Ford Foundation’s grantee partners across Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana are developing innovative solutions to address the impacts of extractive industries, climate change, and energy transitions on community rights, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region. At a meeting hosted by the Ford Foundation
Naira Crisis: Banks Will Remain Open So Long It’s Safe To Do So – CIBN
Previous Story

Naira Crisis: Banks Will Remain Open So Long As It’s Safe To Do So – CIBN

Next Story

Former Chelsea Star, Atsu, Found Dead In Turkey Home

Don't Miss

Yemen: Saudi-led Coalition Accused Of Seizing Emirati Cargo

By Kayode Shokpekan HOUTHIS in Yemen have accused Saudi-led
Supreme Court Grants Hearing Of Shell's Appeal In $878m Oil Spill Case

Shell Pledges $20bn Investment in Nigeria

Chief Executive of Shell Plc, Mr Wael Sawan, has lauded