Meningitis outbreak kills 34, infects 254 in Sokoto

At least 34 people have died and 254 others have been infected following a meningitis outbreak across nine local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, who said the outbreak had spread across multiple communities, prompting urgent government response measures.

He disclosed that many of the deaths occurred at home before medical intervention, noting that some residents initially attributed the illness to spiritual causes or mysterious circumstances, which delayed access to treatment.

According to him, isolation centres have been established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni LGAs, while all 201 patients treated in government health facilities have been discharged.

Abubakar-Wurno listed the affected LGAs as Dange-Shuni, Kebbe, Shagari, Tambuwal, Wamakko, Sabon Birni, Bodinga, Kware and Gada, with varying levels of infection recorded.

He said laboratory tests showed a mix of results, with confirmed cases of meningitis recorded, indicating active transmission in affected communities.

The commissioner explained that meningitis is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes, spread through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated environments.

He added that the government had intensified public awareness campaigns, urging residents to sleep in well-ventilated spaces and adopt preventive measures, especially during the dry season when transmission risk increases.

Abubakar-Wurno also noted that children aged between one and 15 years were the most affected, while overcrowding and dry seasonal winds were worsening the spread.

He said surveillance had been strengthened across the state, with health workers deployed for monitoring, improved laboratory testing, and provision of essential medications to contain the outbreak.