At least 34 people have died out of 254 infected following a meningitis outbreak spanning nine local government areas (LGAs) in Sokoto State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, confirmed the figures to journalists on Wednesday in Sokoto. He expressed concern that most fatalities occurred at home before government intervention, as many residents initially attributed symptoms to spiritual causes or mysterious circumstances, delaying life-saving treatment.
To manage the outbreak, isolation centres have been established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities, located in the Tambuwal and Sabon Birni LGAs. Dr Abubakar-Wurno noted that all 201 patients treated at government health facilities have since been discharged.
The affected LGAs and case numbers are as follows: Dange-Shuni (26), Kebbe (16), Shagari (51), Tambuwal (34), Wamakko (60), Sabon Birni (63), Bodinga (2), Kware (2), and Gada (1). Laboratory analysis of 24 samples returned eight confirmed cases of meningitis.
Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, spread via respiratory droplets in crowded or poorly ventilated environments. The Commissioner disclosed that children aged one to 15 are the most affected, with overcrowding and seasonal dry winds heightening transmission risks.
In response, the government has intensified awareness campaigns, urging residents to sleep in well-ventilated rooms or outside compounds to curb the spread—particularly during extreme heat. Surveillance, laboratory testing, and medication provision have also been bolstered.
According to the World Health Organization, meningitis remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, especially during the dry season, with northern states most vulnerable.
