A meningitis outbreak in Nigeria’s northwest Kebbi state has resulted in at least 26 deaths, a health official confirmed on Tuesday.
Kebbi State Health Commissioner Musa Ismaila reported a surge in cases across three local government areas, with a total of 248 suspected infections recorded. Samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for testing, with nine results still pending.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s hotspots for meningitis, with over 1,700 reported cases and more than 150 deaths recorded across seven states last year. The disease, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, spreads through close contact, including sneezing, coughing, and kissing. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, and neck stiffness.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has deployed medical supplies and set up isolation centers in Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero with support from Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Meanwhile, Sokoto state, which neighbors Kebbi, has issued a health alert following confirmation of cases.
Last year, Nigeria became the first country to introduce the Men5C vaccine, described by the World Health Organization as a breakthrough in the fight against meningitis.