By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
No fewer than 34 persons have died from a meningitis outbreak in Sokoto State, with 254 infections recorded across nine local government areas, raising fresh concerns among health authorities and residents.
The State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, disclosed the figures on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Sokoto, noting that the outbreak had spread across multiple communities.
He said many of the fatalities occurred at home before medical intervention, attributing the trend to delayed treatment as some residents initially linked the illness to spiritual or mysterious causes rather than seeking prompt healthcare.
According to him, the affected local government areas include Dange-Shuni with 26 cases, Kebbe 16, Shagari 51, Tambuwal 34, Wamakko 60, Sabon Birni 63, Bodinga two, Kware two and Gada one.
Abubakar-Wurno explained that isolation centres had been established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni local government areas to contain the outbreak, adding that 201 persons treated at government health facilities had since been discharged.
He further disclosed that 24 samples were collected for laboratory testing, out of which eight were confirmed positive for meningitis, while 16 returned negative results, confirming the presence of the disease in affected communities.
The commissioner described meningitis as a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which spreads through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
He noted that children between the ages of one and 15 are the most vulnerable, warning that overcrowding and the prevailing dry and hot weather conditions in northern Nigeria significantly heighten the risk of transmission.
As part of response measures, the state government has intensified public awareness campaigns, urging residents to ensure proper ventilation in homes and, where necessary, sleep outside to reduce exposure during extreme heat conditions.
He added that surveillance had been strengthened through disease monitoring officers, while efforts were ongoing to improve laboratory capacity, ensure availability of medications and enhance early detection and response.
Health experts continue to warn that meningitis remains a recurring public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season, with northern states most susceptible due to climatic and environmental factors.
