The Gombe State Government has confirmed the death of three individuals due to Cerebrospinal Meningitis, as the outbreak continues to spread across the state.
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Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, disclosed this at a press briefing in Gombe, revealing that 24 patients had been treated and discharged.
According to Dr. Dahiru, the fatalities are linked to late presentation at healthcare facilities.
He further reported that 70 suspected cases had been identified across nine Local Government Areas, with 63 samples collected, out of which 31 tested positive for CSM.
“The epidemic threshold has been reached in wards across three LGAs—Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe,” he stated. “I hereby declare an outbreak of CSM in these areas and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops,” Dr. Dahiru said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility for prompt medical attention.
Dr. Dahiru emphasized that CSM is both preventable and treatable, listing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck pain, convulsions, and altered consciousness, while stressing the need for immediate medical intervention to prevent complications, including deafness and seizures.
The commissioner also highlighted how the disease spreads through respiratory droplets and is exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions.
He therefore urged residents to reduce overcrowding, but stay hydrated in this hot weather, and maintain proper hygiene to curb the spread of the disease.
In the meantime he said the health authorities would continue to monitor the outbreak and implement measures to contain its impact.
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