By Rebecca Maina
Gombe, Nigeria – March 27, 2025
The Gombe State Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in three local government areas following a rise in confirmed cases.
This was known made by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, during a press briefing on Thursday where he provided an update on the state’s response to the ongoing health crisis.
Dr. Dahiru revealed that the first confirmed cases in Gombe State were detected on February 24, 2025, when three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from suspected cases in Billiri and Akko LGAs tested positive for bacterial meningitis.
Following this, the Commissioner explained the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was placed on Alert Mode, and surveillance was intensified across all 11 LGAs to monitor the evolving situation and prevent further spread.
Since the initial cases, Gombe State has recorded a total of 70 suspected cases across nine LGAs. Out of the 63 cerebrospinal fluid samples collected, 31 tested positive for CSM, with three deaths reported so far. The most affected areas include Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe LGAs, where the number of cases has exceeded the epidemic threshold. This prompted the immediate activation of an Incident Management System (IMS) and an official declaration of an outbreak in these locations.
Dr Dahiru explained in response to the outbreak, the Gombe State Ministry of Health has implemented several urgent public health measures to control the spread of the disease.
He explained that the state has ensured that all confirmed cases receive free treatment in government hospitals. Community sensitization campaigns have been launched to educate residents about the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of the disease. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to healthcare facilities and communities to actively search for new cases. Additionally, healthcare workers, including doctors and anesthetic nurses, have been trained on Lumbar Puncture, the key procedure used to diagnose meningitis.
He said the state has also been sharing regular updates with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health partners to coordinate response efforts effectively.
The announced that the government has submitted a request to the International Coordination Group (ICG) for CSM vaccines, which will be administered to high-risk populations once received.
Dr Dahiru emphasized that Cerebrospinal Meningitis is both preventable and treatable if detected early. He urged residents to be vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, convulsions, and altered consciousness and to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise.
He also stressed the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding overcrowded areas, as the disease spreads through respiratory droplets, staying hydrated, and maintaining proper hygiene. He urged the public to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility for early intervention.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public health, Dr. Dahiru assured residents that Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Gombe State.
He acknowledged the governor’s continuous support for public health emergency preparedness and his financial backing to provide free treatment for all CSM patients.
Dr. Dahiru pledged continued transparency in the government’s response to the outbreak and promised to provide further updates as the situation evolves.
Emmanuel Onwuka