The Federal Ministry of Health Wednesday provided 3,000 doses of vaccines to Kebbi state for vaccination against Cerebrospinal Meningitis, as the death toll from the epidemic rises to 56.
The permanent secretary, Kebbi Ministry for Health, Dr. Shehu Nuhu KoKo, announced this at a news briefing in Birnin Kebbi, Wednesday, while giving an update on the spread of the disease.
“So far, 653 of suspected cases of CSM have been reported throughout the state of which 17 samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, for analysis.
“Patients confirmed dead are 25 in Gwandu, 16 in Jega and 14 in Alieru Local Government Areas.
“The 3,000 doses of vaccines received from the federal government have been dispatched to the areas worst affected in the three areas, while an outbreak has also been reported in Bunza and Birnin Kebbi local government areas.
“More anti-CSM vaccines are expected to be used for vaccination throughout the 21 local government areas of the state,” Dr. KoKo said.
The permanent secretary confirmed that mortalities have been recorded at the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Alieru.
He added that medical surveillance team has visited the institution and met with the university management including the vice chancellor and students.
Governor Nasir Idris who has been supportive to contain the spread of the ailment, has ordered the deployment of additional three medical doctors and six nurses to the university as well as provision of medical consumables and drugs.
“The government is to designate the university’s clinic an isolation centre, while mass vaccination is ongoing.
“We advise them to decongest their hostels and keep a clean environment because the present sanitation in the institution is poor,” he stated.
Dr. Shehu Koko advised the public to strictly adhere to preventive measures by observing personal hygiene.