Sokoto State records 33 meningitis deaths, 256 suspected cases

Sokoto State has confirmed 33 deaths among 256 suspected cases in a recent cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak across eight local government areas. Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, stated that most fatalities occurred before victims reached health facilities, attributing this to delayed treatment and misconceptions about the illness. Sabon Birni reported the highest number of cases with 63, followed by Wamakko with 60. In response, the state government, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières, established isolation centers at General Hospitals in Dogo Daji and Tambuwal. While 20 laboratory samples have tested positive, early treatment has shown positive outcomes, with no recent deaths recorded at the isolation centers since intensified interventions began. However, a nurse at the Dogo Daji center noted that new cases continue to emerge, with 22 patients currently admitted. Treatment, including medication, meals, and transportation, is provided free of charge. Despite these efforts, the Dogo Daji facility recently recorded two deaths, including a young boy and another patient who died during transfer. The Chief Medical Director of Specialists Hospital, Sokoto, Dr. Attahiru Sokoto, confirmed that their isolation center successfully treated and discharged meningitis patients from Badon Barade community two weeks prior. Authorities are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms and to disregard false beliefs about the disease.