A fresh outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of 33 children, with 256 suspected cases recorded across several local government areas.
The disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord, spreads quickly during the hot season, especially in crowded places with poor ventilation. Sokoto is part of Nigeria’s “meningitis belt,” an area known for repeated outbreaks.
State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, confirmed the figures on Wednesday during a meeting with district heads organised by the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency alongside Sightsavers and the Chigari Foundation.
He said eight LGAs have been affected, with Sabon Birni recording 63 cases, Wamakko 60, Shagari 51, Tambuwal 33 and Dange Shuni 26. Kebbe, Bodinga, Gada and Kware were also listed among affected areas.
Abubakar said many victims died before reaching hospitals because of delays in seeking treatment and false beliefs that the illness is spiritual.
To tackle the outbreak, the government and Médecins Sans Frontières have opened isolation centres in Dogo Daji and Tambuwal General Hospitals.
“We are discharging recovered patients, but new cases keep coming in. Today alone, two patients were discharged and immediately replaced by new admissions,” a nurse at the Dogo Daji centre said.
Health officials said treatment is free and urged residents to quickly report symptoms and seek medical care.
