The Kebbi State Government says it has intensified measures to contain an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), which has claimed 56 lives across three local government areas—Jega, Aliero, and Gwandu.

Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa Isma’il, represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko, outlined the state’s response strategy.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Malam Yahaya Sarki.

According to Isma’il, health officials began receiving reports of individuals displaying fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness, with some cases proving fatal.

“Active surveillance was initiated, and samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja for confirmation,” he said.

Out of 653 suspected cases, 17 samples were sent for testing, with five confirmed positive—three from Aliero, one from Gwandu, and one from Jega.

All five patients have since been treated and discharged, while seven test results are still pending.

The commissioner added that to curb the spread, the federal government has provided 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines, which have been distributed to the hardest-hit communities.

So far, 1,550 people in Aliero, including the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology community, 798 in Gwandu, and 450 in Jega have received vaccinations. More doses are expected to support a statewide immunization campaign.

Additionally, the state government has allocated ₦30 million for drug procurement and medical supplies. Isolation centers have been set up in affected areas, equipped with essential medications and medical consumables.

Isma’il urged the public to remain vigilant, follow health guidelines, and promptly report any suspected cases to nearest health facilities.