By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Jigawa State government has confirmed that 38 persons have died of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Salisu Muazu, confirmed the development while briefing journalist in Dutse, the state capital on Thursday, 16 February, 2023.
Muazu, who stated that the state recorded a total of 398 suspected cases between October 2022 to date, added that the disease was detected in 56 political wards across seven local government areas of the state that boarder the Niger Republic.
According to him, the outbreak was initially from the neighbouring Niger Republic, and later spread to the border communities in the state, through transborder activities.
The Permanent Secretary listed the affected areas to include Babura, Maigatari, Suletankarkar, Birniwa, Gumel, Gwiwa and Yankwashi.
“This is in spite of the fact that last year, we conducted immunisation against this disease across the state.
“But after getting the report of the outbreak, we took the samples for test in the laboratory, and we discovered it was a strange disease.
“And immediately after results were obtained, the state government, through the ministry, swung into action by offering free treatment, control and prevention measures in the affected areas,” he said.
Muazu disclosed that the ministry had established an isolation centre at Gumel General Hospital where affected persons are being referred to for treatment and observation.
According to him, the situation had been brought under control, as cases are being sporadically recorded.
“As of now, we record only one to two cases per day. In fact there are some days that passed without recording a single case, as the last was recorded on Saturday,” the permanent secretary said.
