Mirian Gom 
SOKOTO, Nigeria – A suspected outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis has killed several residents—mostly children—in Kurawa village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, sparking panic as health authorities scramble to contain the spread.
Community leader, Mudassir Kurawa on Tuesday says the outbreak began about three weeks ago, with deaths rising sharply in recent days, adding that between 10 and 15 fatalities had been recorded in the community alone, excluding nearby settlements.
“The victims are mostly children between the ages of two and 10,” he said.
Local health facilities are reportedly overwhelmed, with one health worker describing an influx of patients seeking urgent care.
“People troop to the hospital every day in large numbers. We are overwhelmed,” the source said.
Residents reported symptoms including high fever, severe neck pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unconsciousness—classic signs of meningitis.
Health officials warn that some victims die within 24 hours of symptom onset, raising concerns over delayed diagnosis and limited treatment capacity in rural areas.
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno, confirmed that emergency teams have been deployed to investigate and provide free medication.
Northern Nigeria lies within Africa’s “meningitis belt,” where dry-season conditions, dust and overcrowding heighten outbreak risks.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
