The Sokoto State Government says 34 people have died and 254 others are infected following a meningitis outbreak affecting nine local government areas in the state. Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday. He said the outbreak had spread across several communities, raising concerns among health authorities.
Dr Abubakar-Wurno said many of the deaths occurred before victims were taken to hospitals because some residents believed the illness was spiritual in nature. He said the state government had established isolation centres in Dogondaji and Kurawa communities in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni local government areas to contain the outbreak.
According to the commissioner, affected councils include Wamakko, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Tambuwal, Dange-Shuni, Kebbe, Bodinga, Kware and Gada. He added that 24 samples had been sent for laboratory testing, with eight confirmed as meningitis cases.
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The commissioner said the government had intensified public awareness campaigns and surveillance efforts across affected communities. He also urged residents to seek immediate medical attention and avoid overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces as authorities work to limit the spread of the disease.
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