In response to an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three local government areas, the Yobe State government has placed 206 individuals under quarantine, with 26 fatalities reported across Yobe and Gombe states.
Yobe’s Ministry of Health spokesperson, Sulaiman Gimba, revealed that the outbreak led to 20 deaths in the Potiskum, Fika, and Fune local government areas. Among the deceased were students from various educational institutions in Potiskum.
To contain the spread, the state government has initiated a vaccination campaign and deployed medical personnel to affected areas. Furthermore, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Muhammad Idris, and other officials were directed to temporarily relocate to Potiskum to coordinate a swift response.
Meanwhile, Gombe State’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Habu Dahiru, dismissed claims of a strange disease outbreak, attributing the deaths to cerebrospinal meningitis. Samples collected and tested from Nafada and Funakaye confirmed CSM as the cause of death.
Addressing earlier reports of a mysterious disease outbreak, Dahiru clarified that Gombe State had not reached the threshold for a CSM epidemic. He activated an Emergency Operation Centre and engaged relevant agencies to address the situation.
While concerns persist, health authorities in both states are actively working to mitigate the spread of meningitis and provide necessary medical interventions.
