Thirty-three children have died in Sokoto State following a cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak. Dr.
Faruk Abubakar, the state's health commissioner, confirmed this on Wednesday.
He disclosed the figure during a meeting with district heads. The gathering focused on antimicrobial resistance and maternal health initiatives.
Since the outbreak began roughly a month ago, 256 suspected cases have emerged across eight local government areas. The commissioner provided a breakdown by location during the meeting.
Sabon Birni LGA leads with 63 cases reported so far. Wamakko follows with 60 cases, while Shagari has recorded 51.
Tambuwal reported 33 cases and Dange Shuni has 26. Kebbe, Bodinga, Gada, and Kware account for the remaining cases combined.
Earlier accounts from Kurawa village had described a grim situation unfolding there. Residents reported two to three deaths daily, mostly among children and teenagers.
Those who died often succumbed before reaching health facilities for proper diagnosis. Community members were advised to avoid sleeping in enclosed spaces because of the heat.
Families described seeing unconsciousness, severe neck stiffness, and high fever in patients. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and foaming from the mouth were also common symptoms reported.
Dr. Abubakar attributed many deaths to delayed responses and cultural beliefs.
He noted that some communities viewed the illness as spiritual rather than medical.
To respond, authorities have opened isolation centres at two general hospitals. Médecins Sans Frontières partnered with the state government on this effort.
Dogo Daji and Tambuwal now house these centres with separate male and female wards. Only about 20 samples have tested positive for meningitis so far.
Patients admitted early have recovered well under treatment, according to the commissioner. No recent deaths have occurred since the response intensified.
But staff at Dogo Daji's centre paint a different picture of the crisis. A nursing officer there, speaking anonymously, revealed 22 patients currently admitted.
"We discharged two today, but two new cases came in immediately," the nurse told our correspondent. Discharged patients include those who've fully recovered from infection.
Admissions continue climbing at the facility, he explained. Officials are considering opening another ward to separate female and paediatric patients.
"The cases keep increasing," the staff member noted during our conversation. "We may need to expand our capacity soon."
Two wards currently operate at the centre—one for men and another for women and children. But rising patient numbers may force the centre's hand.
Adequate medical staff, including doctors and nurses, are present at the facility. Support remains strong despite the growing pressure on resources and space.
