No fewer than 34 persons have died following a meningitis outbreak in parts of Sokoto State, with 254 others reportedly infected across nine local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, confirmed the outbreak on Wednesday, saying the disease had spread to several communities, forcing the government to intensify emergency response measures.
He disclosed that many of the victims died at home before receiving medical attention because some residents initially linked the illness to spiritual attacks and mysterious circumstances.
According to the commissioner, isolation centres have been established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities located in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni local government areas to contain the spread.
“All the 201 patients treated at government health facilities have been discharged after receiving medical care,” he said.
The affected local government areas include Dange-Shuni, Kebbe, Shagari, Tambuwal, Wamakko, Sabon Birni, Bodinga, Kware and Gada.
Abubakar-Wurno explained that laboratory investigations confirmed meningitis cases in several communities, indicating active transmission of the disease.
He added, “Children between the ages of one and 15 years are the most affected, while overcrowding and dry seasonal weather conditions are contributing to the spread of the infection.”
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