KEY POINTS

• Sokoto State confirmed 33 child deaths and 256 suspected meningitis cases across eight LGAs.
• Delayed hospital visits and misconceptions about the disease contributed to the rising death toll.
• Government and medical partners opened isolation centres offering free treatment as new infections continue to emerge.

The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that 33 children have died following a fresh outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in different parts of the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, disclosed that 256 suspected cases have so far been recorded in eight local government areas over the past month.

According to him, Sabon Birni recorded the highest number of infections with 63 cases, followed by Wamakko with 60, Shagari with 51, Tambuwal with 33, and Dange Shuni with 26 cases. Kebbe recorded 16 cases, while Bodinga, Gada, and Kware reported fewer infections.

Delayed Treatment Worsening Death Toll

The commissioner explained that many of the deaths happened before victims were taken to hospitals due to delayed treatment and false beliefs that the disease is caused by spiritual attacks rather than a medical condition.

Meningitis is a dangerous infection that affects the brain and spinal cord membranes. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, and convulsions.

Health experts warned that the disease can kill within hours if not treated quickly and may also lead to hearing loss, brain damage, or paralysis.

To contain the outbreak, the state government, alongside Médecins Sans Frontières, established isolation centres at General Hospitals in Dogo Daji and Tambuwal.

Officials said patients who arrive early for treatment have responded positively, and recent interventions have helped reduce fatalities.

A health worker at the Dogo Daji isolation centre revealed that 22 patients are currently receiving treatment, with new cases still arriving daily despite ongoing discharges.

The source added that treatment at the centre is completely free, including medication, feeding, transportation support, and sanitary supplies.