Gombe government confirms outbreak of meningitis

The Gombe State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). 

The state government said six persons have died from the infectious disease associated with the inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru who spoke at a press briefing on Thursday, February 29, said five of the deaths were recorded in Nafada Local Government Area and one in Funakeye Local Government Area.

A total of 95 cases have been recorded, with 83 individuals successfully treated and discharged, leaving six under medical care. Dahiru also said that while the Incident Management System (IMS) has not yet been initiated due to the threshold for a CSM outbreak not being met, the situation remains critical.

“The alarm was raised on 18 February when reports surfaced of individuals displaying symptoms indicative of CSM in Nafada Local Government Area (LGA). 

“We responded swiftly by activating an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), comprising WHO, UNICEF, and NCDC, to address suspected CSM cases and assess the possibility of Lassa fever.

“We are now at Alert Threshold in Nafada and Funakaye LGAs. The EOC’s directives include engaging with local communities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness about CSM, distributing essential medications free of charge, and conducting comprehensive case searches across affected areas.”