The death toll from the ongoing outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across four local Government areas in Nigeria’s northwestern Kebbi state has risen significantly, reaching 56, health authorities confirmed on Wednesday March 19.
Musa Ismaila, the health commissioner in Kebbi, reported that the number of suspected cases has surged to 653, up from 248 just a week ago. The outbreak, which was initially declared in late January, has grown more deadly in the past two weeks, with a sharp increase in suspected cases.
Ismaila explained that the public health department had started receiving reports of individuals presenting symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, which in some cases have led to fatalities. The state government has responded by distributing drugs and other medical supplies to the affected local government areas and communities in an effort to contain the outbreak. The health commissioner emphasised that the situation remains critical, and authorities continue to monitor and address the spread of the disease.
CSM outbreaks in Nigeria are primarily caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A and are typically more prevalent during the dry season, when low humidity and dusty conditions contribute to the spread of the bacteria. These outbreaks generally subside with the arrival of the rainy season, but for now, the authorities are focused on managing the crisis and preventing further fatalities.