About 40 children have lost their lives others hospitalized as result outbreak of a disease suspected to be cerebral spinal meningitis (CSM) in Majia town in Taura local government area of Jigawa state.
Report gathered by Nigerian Pilot revealed that for over 13 days people of the community experience an outbreaks of the decease which normally begins with stomach pain,vomiting, fever and numbness in their legs.
One of the residents revealed that about 40 children died, another 10 hospitalized and ten discharged due to the outbreak of cerebral spinal meningitis in the town and their neighbors.
Ali Sunusi is a father to 3 year old Khadija who died on Friday said that his daughter died around 9:30PM after she suffered from stomach and hot fever.
“I did all I can to get the attention from medical doctor but probe abortive as he lock door after my several attempt to knock his door, so I went to a patent medicine store and was given some drugs only for the illness to aggravate at night.
Another resident Mallam Ya’u Salisu a father of 12 year old Ummu Kulsum and prmary 4 pupil said his daughters started with headache and vomiting and
took her for treatment and she died latter in the day.
“My daughter died latter in the day and I saw several children admitted in the children ward at Taura comprehensive hospital were we are referred to”
Another father, Mallam Usman told our reporter that his 11 year old son was rescued from the clutches of death after he was admitted at the Taura general hospital however said his son is now deaf.
He said his son, Ya’u Usman who is now in class 4 has recovered from the ailment but could no longer hear.
Contacting state commissioner of Health Dr Abba Zakari confirmed the case through telephone interview but refuted the number of the children that lost their lives of the problem also assured to brief newsmen about the exact data when compiled tomorrow.
It could be recalled that following the outbreak of celebro spinal Meningitis in some states, the Jigawa state government had embarked on public enlightment campaign as pro-active measures against the outbreak in the state.
He explained that, by realising the weather change, the emergency meeting was held organised by the National Health Council in Abuja to discuss pro-active measures against such diseases.
According to him, at state level, his ministry organised an emergency meeting with health professionals and other stakeholders and designed pro-active measures against the outbreak.
He said some of the measures taken apart of radio jingles, the public enlightment campaign team was also formed across 27 local government area.
The Commissioner added that, the state government also released a huge amount of funds where Meningitis drugs and vaccines was procured.
He then called on the traditional rulers to support the move by sensitizing the public on the danger of sleeping in rooms without making the doors and windows open.
