Hussaini Ibrahim 
SOKOTO, Nigeria – A fresh outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis has killed at least 33 children in Sokoto State, with health authorities confirming more than 250 suspected infections across several local government areas as concerns grow over the spread of the deadly disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, on Wednesday during an advocacy meeting with district heads on SARMAAN and MNTE, said at least 256 suspected cases have been recorded in eight local government areas since the outbreak resurfaced.
He explained that Sabon Birni recorded the highest number of cases with 63, followed by Wamakko with 60, Shagari with 51, Tambuwal with 33, and Dange Shuni with 26 cases.
He added that Kebbe recorded 16 cases, while Bodinga, Gada and Kware recorded two, one and two cases respectively.
“Most of the deaths occurred before victims could be taken to hospitals because many people still believe the illness is spiritual instead of a medical emergency,” he said.
Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, convulsions and sensitivity to light.
Abubakar said separate wards had been created for male and female patients, adding that patients brought early for treatment were responding positively.
“Since intensified interventions began, no recent deaths have been recorded among patients receiving treatment early,” he stated.
However, investigations at the Dogo Daji isolation centre revealed that new infections are still emerging daily.
“The cases are increasing, and we may need another ward to separate female and paediatric patients,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director of Specialists Hospital, Sokoto, Attahiru Sokoto, confirmed that the hospital earlier admitted meningitis patients from Badon Barade community in Wamakko Local Government Area.
“All the patients were treated at our isolation centre and have since been discharged. As of today, we have no patient on admission,” he said.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 
Korede Abdullah