Meningitis Outbreak in Gombe: Three Dead, Epidemic Declared in Three LGAs

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Government has declared an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) following the death of three people and the confirmation of 31 positive cases across multiple local government areas.

Addressing journalists at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, revealed that 70 suspected cases have been identified in nine LGAs. Of the 63 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected, 31 tested positive.

“So far, we have recorded only three deaths. These fatalities were due to late arrival of the patients at health facilities,” Dahiru stated.

Epidemic Declared in Three LGAs

Dr. Dahiru announced that epidemic thresholds have been exceeded in wards located in Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe LGAs, prompting an official outbreak declaration.

“I hereby declare an ongoing outbreak of CSM in these locations and will periodically provide additional updates as the situation evolves,” he said.

Symptoms and Mode of Transmission

The commissioner described CSM as a preventable and curable disease but emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications such as deafness, seizures, or death.

“Symptoms include high-grade fever, intense headache, vomiting, neck pain, convulsions, and altered consciousness. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat, and overcrowding significantly increases the risk of transmission,” he explained.

Breakdown of Reported Cases Across LGAs

A detailed breakdown of suspected and confirmed cases across the affected LGAs includes:

Gombe LGA (Dawaki ward): 11 cases, 2 confirmed positive.

Kaltungo LGA: 14 suspected cases.

Yamaltu-Deba LGA: 12 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive.

Billiri LGA: 8 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive.

Funakaye LGA: 7 suspected cases, 4 confirmed positive.

Shongom LGA: 4 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive.

Akko LGA: 1 suspected case, confirmed positive.

Nafada LGA: 1 suspected case, no confirmed positive result.

Dukku LGA: 1 suspected case, confirmed positive.

Government Response and Preventive Measures

The Gombe State Government has taken immediate steps to contain the outbreak by deploying essential drugs and medical supplies to health facilities for free treatment of all cases.

Dr. Dahiru also announced the training of doctors and anesthetic nurses on lumbar puncture—a crucial procedure for collecting CSF samples to confirm CSM cases. Additionally, rapid response teams have been dispatched across the affected LGAs to conduct active case searches in communities and health centers.

“We have activated social mobilization and community sensitization campaigns to educate people about CSM and inform them where to seek treatment,” he added.

Call for Vigilance and Public Safety Measures

The commissioner urged residents to take necessary precautions, including:

Minimizing overcrowding to reduce transmission risk.

Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during the hot season.

Maintaining proper environmental and personal hygiene.

Seeking immediate medical care at the nearest hospital for anyone experiencing symptoms.

Dr. Dahiru further assured that the state government has requested vaccines from development partners and will commence vaccination for susceptible age groups once available.

“As soon as we receive vaccines, they will be administered in the most affected locations,” he confirmed.

Where to Seek Medical Help

Residents experiencing symptoms of meningitis are advised to visit any general hospital in the 11 local government areas, the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, or the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe for urgent medical attention.

“Late treatment can lead to severe complications or death. I urge everyone to report suspected cases immediately,” Dr. Dahiru warned.

As health officials work to curb the spread of the disease, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other partners to provide necessary support and updates to the public.