A suspected meningitis outbreak in Udubo village in the Gamawa local government Area of Bauchi State has claimed the lives of six Almajiri pupils.
Nasiru Bakura, the Chairman, caretaker committee of the local government, confirmed the deaths to journalists on Friday.
Bakura explained that the six pupils died in three different Tsangaya schools, all located in Udubo town of Gamawa local government area.
He stated that the affected Tsangaya schools are mostly congested by Almajiri pupils, exacerbating the situation.
He added, “Health workers at both the local and state levels are actively managing the outbreak, with drugs procured to treat affected patients.”
The chairman explained the seriousness of the situation and urged the public to take preventive measures.
A public health expert in Bauchi, Dr Hassan Shu’aibu Musa, explained that meningitis is a serious infectious disease that affects the meninges, with bacterial meningitis being the most prevalent form.
According to him, the disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected persons’ saliva or mucus, as well as inhaling droplets and advised members of the public to avoid overcrowded areas, especially during this outbreak, as a precautionary measure.
He added that meningitis is a vaccine-preventable disease and advised parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to be immunized against it.
He clarified that “meningitis is not connected to witchcraft and patients should consult health experts when symptoms like high fever occur.”
