FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR, GOMBE
Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru has confirmed the death of three persons out of the 33 confirmed cases of meningitis.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Gombe, Dr Dahiru revealed that 53 suspected cases were reported from four local government areas of Kaltungo, Yamaltu Deba, Billiri and Gombe.
In his breakdown, the commissioner stated that samples were collected from 14 individuals, with three confirmed cases in Kaltungo, while in Yamaltu Deba, out of 12 suspected cases, three were confirmed positive.
According to him, in Billiri, samples from eight individuals showed three confirmed cases, while two out of 11 suspected cases in Gombe were confirmed positive.
He also said in Shongom, four suspected cases were reported, with three confirmed positive In Dukku and Nafada, one suspected case was reported each, but none was confirmed positive.
Dahiru assured the public that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has taken proactive measures to address the outbreak.
Medications have been distributed to healthcare centers and treatment is being offered free of charge at all primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 11 local government areas, as well as the State Specialist Hospital.
The commissioner identified the symptoms of meningitis to include fever, severe headaches and neck stiffness. He also highlighted the primary mode of transmission, which occurs through coughing in crowded environments.
He urged residents to maintain good hygiene, avoid overcrowded sleeping areas and ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows and doors open to allow airflow.
“These precautions are essential to prevent the spread of meningitis,” Dahiru stressed.
He said the state government remains committed to containing the outbreak and safeguarding public health across the state.
