Reports indicate that an outbreak of meningitis in Udubo village, located in the Gamawa local government Area of Bauchi State, has resulted in the tragic deaths of six Almajiri pupils.
Confirming the unfortunate incidents to the press on Friday was Nasiru Bakura, the Chairman of the caretaker committee of the local government.
The deaths occurred in three separate Tsangaya schools within Udubo town of Gamawa local government area, as relayed by Bakura.
It was highlighted that these particular Tsangaya schools were densely populated with Almajiri pupils, which exacerbated the severity of the situation.
An active response to the outbreak is being conducted by health workers at both local and state levels, with the procurement of necessary medications for the treatment of affected individuals,” Bakura stated.
The chairman emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged the general public to prioritize preventive measures.
Dr. Hassan Shu’aibu Musa, a public health expert in Bauchi, shed light on meningitis as a severe infectious disease affecting the meninges, with bacterial meningitis being the most common variant.
According to Dr. Musa, the disease spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or mucus, as well as through inhaling droplets, advising vigilance in avoiding overcrowded places, especially during this outbreak, as a precautionary step.
Meningitis is preventable through vaccination, Dr. Musa emphasized, urging parents to ensure their children are immunized to safeguard them against the disease.
He emphasized that meningitis has no association with witchcraft and urged individuals experiencing symptoms like high fever to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.