34 dead, 254 infected as meningitis outbreak hits nine LGAs in Sokoto ‣ Info Giant Fm 97.1

At least 34 people have died and 254 have been infected following a meningitis outbreak across nine LGAs of Sokoto state.

Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, the state commissioner for health, who announced the development to journalists on Wednesday, said the outbreak had spread across multiple communities, prompting urgent government response efforts.

According to NAN, Abubakar-Wurno said most of the deaths occurred at home before government intervention, noting that several residents attributed the illness to spiritual beliefs or mysterious circumstances, delaying early treatment and proper medical attention.

The commissioner said isolation centres were established in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni LGAs, adding that all 201 persons treated at government health facilities had been discharged.

He listed affected LGAs and number of victims to include Dange-Shuni (26), Kebbe (16), Shagari (51), Tambuwal (34), Wamakko (60), Sabon Birni (63), Bodinga (2), Kware (2) and Gada (1), respectively.

Abubakar-Wurno said four samples were sent for testing, out of which 16 returned negative results, while eight cases of meningitis were confirmed, indicating the presence of the disease in communities.

He said the government had intensified awareness campaigns, urging residents to sleep in well-ventilated rooms or outside house compounds to reduce disease spread, often worsened by extreme heat conditions.

He also noted that children aged one to 15 were most affected, while overcrowding and seasonal dry winds significantly increased transmission risks, raising serious public health concerns across northern states.

He added that the state government had intensified surveillance through disease surveillance officers and ensured laboratory testing and medication provision, while also strengthening laboratory capacity for improved detection and confirmation of cases.

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