Sokoto Villager In Panic As Suspected Meningitis Outbreak Kills Many Within 3 Weeks

Residents of Kurawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised alarm over a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis that has reportedly claimed several lives, mostly among children and teenagers.

Daily Trust reports that the situation has worsened in recent days, with an estimated two to three d+aths recorded daily, largely affecting people between the ages of two and 20.

According to health workers, there has been a steady influx of patients seeking treatment as fear spreads across the community over the “unknown illness.”

“People troop to the hospital every day in large numbers seeking treatment. We are overwhelmed and do not know what it is that has been k+lling our people almost on a daily basis,” one source said.

Locals described symptoms such as unconsciousness, severe neck pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high fever, and in some cases foaming from the mouth, symptoms consistent with meningitis.

“In some cases, a child would first complain of neck pain before becoming unconscious,” another source explained. Despite ongoing interventions, residents expressed concern that the d+aths have continued, fueling fears that the illness may not be meningitis alone.

“We were told it is meningitis, but the disease is not stopping. That is why people are beginning to suspect it could be something else entirely,” a resident said.

The village head, Mudassir Abdullahi Kurawa (Wakilin Malumfashin Kurawa), confirmed the outbreak, revealing that about 10 to 15 d+aths have been recorded within the town alone, excluding nearby villages.

He said the outbreak began about three weeks ago and mostly affected children aged two to 10. He added that on Saturday alone, 15 patients were admitted, with three dying immediately.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar Wurno, confirmed receiving reports of the outbreak on Sunday, stating that health personnel were immediately deployed to investigate and provide free medications.Continue Your, Reading. .