The Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to contain the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state.
The Commissioner for Health  represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko, affirmed this during a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
According to the commissioner, the outbreak has  claimed 56 lives across three local government areas of Jega, Aliero and Gwandu.
Ismali disclosed that the Public Health Department of the health ministry started receiving reports of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, with some cases resulting in fatalities.
He further disclosed that the ministry then initiated active surveillance, and samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation.
The commissioner also stated that out of 653 suspected cases, 17 samples were sent to NRL Abuja, with five testing positive, three from Aliero, one from Gwandu, and one from Jega.
Ismail further revealed that the federal government provided 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines, which have been distributed to the most affected communities.
He said the Vaccination efforts have covered 1,550 people in Aliero (including the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology community), 798 in Gwandu, and 450 in Jega.
The state government in an effort to contain the spread of the disease  released ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs and essential medical supplies, established Isolation centers in the affected LGAs, with necessary medications and consumables provided.
Isma’il urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
