Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Gombe State has reported three deaths from cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) as of March 27, 2025.
At a media briefing at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Commissioner for Health Dr. Habu Dahiru disclosed that “we have been able to line list 70 suspected cases of CSM in nine LGAs and have collected 63 CSF samples (a CSF collection rate of 83 percent), out of which 31 returned positive for CSM.
We have so far recorded only three deaths.” He further declared outbreaks in Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe, where epidemic thresholds had been reached.
Dr. Dahiru emphasized that CSM is both preventable and curable, urging residents to seek immediate hospital treatment if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, neck pain, vomiting, or convulsions.
“CSM is transmitted directly from person to person through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. Poor living conditions, particularly overcrowding, increase the likelihood of transmission,” he explained.
He advised people to minimize overcrowding, stay hydrated, and maintain good hygiene. He also assured the public that vaccines would be administered to susceptible age groups in the most affected areas once received.
To combat the outbreak, the government has released essential drugs and medical supplies for free treatment in hospitals.
“Social mobilisation and community sensitisation activities are ongoing to educate people on CSM and where to seek treatment,” Dahiru said.
He highlighted the efforts of rapid response teams conducting active case searches and noted that healthcare workers had been trained in lumbar puncture procedures for accurate diagnosis.
“Our situation reports were shared with the NCDC, WHO, MSF, and other partners on a weekly basis,” he added.
