As a step towards combating the outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in parts of the country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has agreed to provide the Kaduna State Government with specimen containers, lumbar puncture sets, rapid diagnostic test kits and to transport positive samples to the reference laboratory in Lagos.

Over 300 people have been reported dead following recorded cases of the disease in about 15 states across the country.

Paul Dogo, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the state, while explaining the preventive measures taken against the spread of meningitis by the state government on Friday in Kaduna, said the Drugs Management Agency has also been directed to procure ceftriaxone, the parenteral antibiotic of choice, and intravenous fluids to be pre-positioned in all public general hospitals.

He said the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in the 23 local government areas in the state are to be on the alert for effective surveillance of any case of meningitis.

The commissioner said jingles were being aired on radio stations in the state to create awareness among members of the public on preventive steps against meningitis.

He said symptoms of the disease depends on the age of the patient but generally, children above one year and adults will have severe headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea and vomiting, adding that in its severe form, there may be altered sensorium, seizures and coma.

“Medical Directors of General Hospitals across the state had been directed to promptly treat and report any case of the disease,” he added.

Mr. Dogo said proper respiratory sanitation, especially proper disposal of respiratory secretions (cover mouth, nose when coughing and sneezing respectively) must be taken seriously while hands must be washed regularly.

He advised the people to go to the nearest hospital without delay, avoid self medication whenever such symptoms manifest.

The Commissioner also enjoined people to ensure proper ventilation of their homes and proper respiratory sanitation as well as avoid overcrowding in poorly ventilated places.

One person has been confirmed dead following a case of CSM outbreak in Cross River State while 23 others are currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Inyang Asibong, the State Commissioner for Health, who visited the hospital on Wednesday, said that the disease had been on the increase in the state.

Ms. Asibong said the deceased, Paul Ogar, 12, was brought from Ogoja Local Government Area of the state with the disease which eventually led to his death.

According to her, the Ministry was doing its best to curb the outbreak, adding that Cross River was among the 16 states with the outbreak of CSM in Nigeria.

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